In August 2019, Microsoft Japan executed a striking experiment on its employees. They rolled out a 4-day work week policy, giving their employees a 3-day weekend! It was found that productivity increased by a whopping 40% and more than 90% of the employees said they were happier.
Following this, Finland’s and New Zealand’s Prime Ministers proposed a 4-day work week and as the news made headlines, we thought, yeh policy India mein kab ayega?
But now, as it seems, we don’t have to wait for much longer. According to a report by Business Insider, India is considering a 4-day work week. However, there is another side to the story.
Our working-hours limit is 48-hours a week. Hence, employees who show up at the office 6 days a week have to work 8 hours a day. Similarly, those who have a 5-day work week, work for 9-10 hours a day.
With the new 4-day work week that’s being considered, the 48-hours policy remains the same. This means, if we were to work 4 days a week, we’ll end up working for 12 hours per day.
“There is no final word as yet. Once the rules are formulated, things will become more clear. The Ministry wishes to assure that establishments will not be able to exploit their employees at any cost,” said Apurva Chandra, Labour and Employment Secretary.
The policy, once formulated and rolled out, will have to be mutually agreed upon by both employer and employee. Ideally, a company will have to adopt a policy which is appropriate for its employees.
While the longer working hours seem like a buzzkill, an earlier report by The Indian Express shows some of the policy’s brighter sides. A 4-day work week may prevent mass layoffs and salary cuts, thereby securing jobs. It also reduces the burden on employers as it reduces expenses like office rent and electricity bills.
According to BI, a World Economic Forum survey showed that the companies which had implemented the 4-day work week policy had a 2% turnover each year.
This news, however, didn’t go down well with several people online. Many took to Twitter to express how a 12-hour work day could decrease productivity and increase stress.
The idea of work hours is to be productive with optimum effort and time. Not too much, not too less. Working should have a longevity benefits. If I work 6 hours a day, I don't get tired and can do this for the rest of my life. I will be productive and happy. Simple.
— abhi changer (@abhichanger) February 9, 2021
Again. It feels exciting at first. But with 4 days completely filled with eat sleep and work, u won't have any idea what to do in the holidays, as all the routines, habits are fucked up. Only mental stress remains.
— Sridhar (@Sridhar1415) February 9, 2021
Terrible idea. I have worked 12 hours continuously for around 2 months during busy season in my work. Not worth it. Your whole life gets screwed. You become like a zombie.
— R J (@RJ505_) February 9, 2021
It is great for people like us who WFH and have 35-40 hours/week.
It is a nightmare for a worker working 10hrs/day with 2-3 hrs journey/day.
This will alter the 3 shift system to 2 shift one. Less human resources (less recruits).
More days off, more savings for company.— Anonymous (@KoleySambit) February 9, 2021
Another unscientific stupidity @PMOIndia 4 days work week is good. 12 hours daily is unscientific and exploitative. Human brain cannot work more than 6 hours serious work where constant brain is required. https://t.co/s1ha8hEvqV
— Saurabh Srivastava (@saudev001) February 10, 2021
Work life balance is a tight rope walk for corporate India esp since our culture places a high premium on hard work and clocking in those extra hours is very much normalised. If you add gender dynamics to the mix, then the double burden on women would be nightmarish. #4DayWeek https://t.co/qpbGzV58Sy
— Bhadra (@bhadvish) February 10, 2021
This would kill the productivity, making one go nuts, and during 3 days off, one would be clueless, post a terrible week! instead two days off should be declared mandatory for all cos'! https://t.co/idGHP72PBI
— Rishita Doshi (@rishdsh) February 9, 2021
But how is that even practical? Long hours decrease productivity. Moreover, people quo have to travel long distances, what will happen to them? 12 hours + 4 hours of travel, a person will be so tired to come for work the next day ! https://t.co/Y9UMhU1oD6
— SHAGUN BHASIN (@SHAGUNBHASIN1) February 9, 2021
Do you think this 4-day work week policy will help boost productivity and help maintain a work-life balance for employees? Tell us!