Microsoft Japan Offers Employees 3-Day Weekend, Productivity Increases By A Whopping 40%

For the month of August, Microsoft Japan did a work experiment with its employees. Known as the ‘Work-Life Choice Challenge’, the company closed its door on Friday, which meant that the employees would get a 3-day weekend. And what happened next is our biggest dream come true.

According to a report by CNBC, working 4 days a week increased productivity of the employees at the Microsoft Japan office by 40%. Boss, are you reading this?

The company also held meetings for no longer than 30 minutes and conducted conferences digitally.

By the end of the challenge, 92% of the employees said they were happier, reported Business Insider. In addition to this, electricity cost lowered by 23.1% and 58.7% fewer pages printed. So it was a win-win situation for both employees and the company!

The company also incorporated a “support program” which included travel-related expenses, self-development and family-related schemes, and workshops for its employees.

After seeing such positive results, Microsoft Japan now wants to encourage a more flexible working environment.

A similar approach was implemented in the past by a UK company called Portcullis Legals in Plymouth, England. After switching to a 4-day work week policy and giving their employees a raise, they saw an overall increase in productivity of the firm. Also, their employees were much happier.

Can all offices start incorporating this policy, please?