Recent years have led to massive changes in the way Salesforce employees work.
“Flexible” working is now the new normal, and cloud-based tools allow employers to access talent all over the globe.
As the search for the ultimate workplace structure continues, we’re also beginning to see an increased interest in the concept of shorter, more focused work weeks.
In January 2022, more than 30 U.K. companies transitioned to a four-day workweek as part of a study determining whether employees working 80% of their usual hours could deliver the same levels of productivity and efficiency.
Countless other brands are beginning to follow suit, believing fewer hours could be the key to boosting work/life balance and keeping employees engaged in the age of the “Great Resignation”. The question is, will a four-day workweek thrive in the Salesforce space?
The Rising Demand for the Four-Day Work Week
Four-day work weeks aren’t an entirely new concept. Many regions throughout Scandinavia have championed this idea of working for some time, demonstrating that shorter workweeks often lead to less stress and lower levels of burnout.
However, we’ve only recently begun to see companies in the U.K. embracing the idea of a four-day week. The 2022 scheme run by 4 Day Week Global mentioned above introduced the belief that companies can change the focus from how long people spend at work to what they do when they’re “on the clock”.
According to supporters of the four-day work week, the aim will be to concentrate on helping teams to make the most of their time when they’re working, rather than simply filling the hours. Currently, studies suggest people spend around half of their days on unproductive tasks.
While moving to a four-day week might not suit every business, it has significant potential for companies already embracing a more flexible approach to work.
The Benefits of a Four-Day Week
The new Four Day Week campaign indicates several reasons why it might be beneficial for us to work fewer days in the average week. First and foremost, U.K. employees generally work longer hours than most of Europe.
Many companies hiring Salesforce staff in the U.K. are still using an ‘old-fashioned’ style of the working week, built on a design introduced over a century ago. Back then, we didn’t have the same technology, tools, or freedom as today to get more work done in less time.
Both employees and employers can benefit from:
- Reduced costs: A four-day workweek cuts the costs of running a business by ensuring you only need to keep everything operational for four out of seven days. Additionally, employees would be paying less on the commute to work; this means everyone benefits economically.
- Happier employees: 3-day weekends give employees more time to focus on what they enjoy doing, while delivering what is required in a focused four day week.
Because employees with a four-day workweek enjoy more of their lives, they’re more likely to stick with their employer (crucial during the great resignation).
- Better wellbeing: Today’s jobs are demanding, particularly in a fast-paced landscape like the Salesforce ecosystem. We need time to recover mentally and physically and work on our health through meditation, exercise, and time spent with loved ones. Allowing for a four-day week means companies can encourage employees to take better care of themselves to accomplish more when they are in the office.
- Less absenteeism: Since your employees will have more time to look after themselves and their personal needs in a four-day workweek, they’re less likely to take time off. You’ll also benefit from employees who want to stay with your business for as long as possible, as no one wants to give up on a great work schedule. When a New Zealand firm trialled a four-day week, they discovered 78% of employees could balance work and home life.
- Boosted productivity: Discontented and overwhelmed staff members are more likely to be distracted and unproductive. However, employees who get enough rest and time to themselves are more likely to be able to use the remaining energy they do have in the office effectively. This leads to better levels of efficiency and productivity.
Having a four-day workweek can even be an excellent way to differentiate your employer brand. In an age where employees are increasingly looking for more flexible working schedules, a different working week could help you attract a higher quality of Salesforce talent.
Are Salesforce Employees Suited to a Shorter Work Week?
Just as remote and hybrid working opportunities haven’t worked perfectly for every company, it’s worth noting the 4-day work week won’t work for every business model. Some people may find it harder to get back into the swing of work when they have three days off. Others will struggle to reach their full potential with less time at work.
However, flexible forms of working can be particularly useful in the technology landscape, where people are more likely to be open to new working styles. Microsoft, for instance, trialled a shorter working week with no pay changes in its Japan office in 2019 and found that employees were happier, more efficient, and 40% more productive.
Known for being flexible, versatile, and ever-changing, the Salesforce ecosystem is the perfect landscape for transformative workplace strategies.
All over the world, Salesforce superstars are now embracing the power of hybrid and remote work, and employers searching for Salesforce talent are exploring trends from wellbeing to schedule autonomy. It could be time to consider the potential of the four-day workweek too.
Thanks,
Lee
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