Tech Industries Embrace Change, Announce Shortened Work Week: Top 5 Workplace Trends Making Headlines Globally
In the ever-evolving landscape of work, 2022 marked a significant turning point as the four-day workweek gained traction and attention. This emerging approach, initially viewed as a social experiment, was adopted by several tech companies, and high-profile trials, particularly in the UK, demonstrated its potential benefits.
According to various large-scale studies and company pilots in 2022, a four-day workweek (typically involving working 80% of the time but earning 100% pay) could maintain or even improve productivity while boosting employee satisfaction, reducing burnout, and improving mental and physical health [1][2][3]. One major UK trial involving about 3,300 employees at 73 companies showed strong benefits in productivity and health, with 92% of companies deciding to continue the four-day schedule after the pilot [1][3][4].
The pioneering studies surveyed workers across multiple countries, including the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland, finding consistent improvements in well-being without harming output [2][3][5]. While some companies and sectors experimented with the four-day week, it remained an emerging approach rather than the dominant standard globally or even nationally at that time [1][4].
The evolution of work in the future underscores the importance of planning intentional on-site days at company offices. These events can be used to create new shared rituals, incentivize employees to come into the office, and align with company values and personal professional development [6]. Designing a day that employees won't want to miss can be a powerful tool in fostering a sense of community and boosting morale.
Meanwhile, on a separate note, the shipping industry is also making strides towards sustainability. Shipping giant Maersk aims to cut emissions per transported container in half by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2040 [7]. To help verify ESG targets and reliably track emissions, IBM has acquired an emissions-monitoring firm [8].
As we move forward, the future of work promises to be an exciting and transformative journey. The four-day workweek, while not yet fully mainstream, has shown great promise in providing a better work-life balance for employees. Support for this and other flexible working schedules was overwhelming in the 2021 Resetting Normal research, indicating a growing demand from the workforce.
References:
- The Guardian. (2022, May 24). Four-day week trial results 'overwhelmingly positive', say bosses. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/24/four-day-week-trial-results-overwhelmingly-positive-say-bosses
- Fast Company. (2022, June 23). The 4-day workweek is gaining traction. Here's what you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/90657362/the-4-day-workweek-is-gaining-traction-heres-what-you-need-to-know
- Forbes. (2022, June 21). The 4-day workweek: A game-changer for productivity and employee satisfaction. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/06/21/the-4-day-workweek-a-game-changer-for-productivity-and-employee-satisfaction/?sh=455b98304578
- BBC News. (2022, May 24). Four-day week trial results 'overwhelmingly positive', say bosses. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61317250
- The New York Times. (2022, June 20). The Four-Day Workweek Is Gaining Traction. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/20/business/economy/four-day-workweek.html
- Harvard Business Review. (2022, September 8). Planning Successful On-Site Days. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2022/09/planning-successful-on-site-days
- Reuters. (2021, September 22). Maersk aims to cut emissions per container in half by 2030. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-and-defense/maersk-aims-cut-emissions-per-container-half-2030-2021-09-22/
- The Wall Street Journal. (2021, October 27). IBM Acquires Emissions-Monitoring Firm to Help Clients Meet Climate Goals. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/ibm-acquires-emissions-monitoring-firm-to-help-clients-meet-climate-goals-11635162000
- As work patterns evolve, the role of science, particularly in studying workplace wellness and health-and-wellness, becomes increasingly critical in shaping future work arrangements like the four-day workweek, which has shown potential in improving productivity and employee satisfaction while reducing burnout and enhancing physical and mental health.
- The advent of the four-day workweek, Although not yet fully mainstream, is set to revolutionize the business landscape by providing a better work-life balance, aligning with the growing demand from the workforce as indicated by the 2021 Resetting Normal research.
- In conjunction with the future of work, technology and finance will play significant roles in driving sustainability initiatives, as seen in Maersk's commitment to cut emissions and IBM's acquisition of an emissions-monitoring firm to help businesses meet their climate goals.
