Why Millennial Women Want A Four-Day Work Week And How To Embrace Efficiency

A recent report from Newsweek and Redfield and Wilton Strategies found that millennials would prefer a four-day work week.

The survey of 4,000 U.S. voters found that 63 percent support transitioning to a four-day work week, with 46% saying they believe a shorter work week would be more productive. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of millennials said they would prefer reduced working hours, with 44% saying they were strongly in favor of a shorter working week and 30% indicating general support for a shorter work week. Only eight percent of millennials were opposed to the idea of a four-day work week. In comparison, only 50% of people aged 59 and older support a four-day work week, with almost a third having a neutral stance.

According to Time, four-day work weeks can help employees reduce burnout, manage stress and spend quality time with loved ones, leading to all around happier lives, according to pilot studies in Germany and Brazil. However, and independent Gallup poll in 2022 showed people who worked a four day work week were slightly more likely to report feeling burned out compared to those with traditional schedules because they had to cram the same amount of work into fewer days.

To better understand how millennials could embrace a four-day work week, we’ve pulled together advice on how to boost productivity, embrace technology, keep team spirits high.

When it comes to boosting your productivity, stablishing a realistic daily routine can help you determine your most productive times of day and allow you to schedule your most important tasks during those times. Dividing your day up into blocks of time that are specifically designated for doing those tasks, such as sending emails or holding essential meetings. You can also maximize your productivity by prioritizing your tasks. Categorize your tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important.

Fitting five days’ work of work into four days likely means your days are busier than normal, so embracing technology and tools that help improve efficiency and help you stay on top of your tasks is key. One tool that might be helpful is the Skylight Calendar, which is a software system that improves the look and efficiency of your agenda. It can help you manage and share your calendar with others to eliminate the need to ask when your next appointment or meeting is and can auto-sync with your other existing calendars, so everything is in one place.

Changing our approach to the work week may result in attitude changes between your colleagues or employees in the workplace, so it may be helpful to take steps to foster open communication in your office setting. Good communication is the foundation of trust and willingness to collaborate in any work setting, so creating a space where employees feel as though they can share their experiences in a safe place is crucial. You can do this by prompting regular check ins with your team, focus on straightforward communication, and cultivate a culture of feedback.