As the concept of a shorter workweek gains popularity, an increasing number of companies are exploring the benefits of implementing a four-day workweek. This trend was observed in early May, when two public holidays falling on Mondays allowed for a shorter workweek experience. The underlying assumption is that employees who are relaxed and satisfied will be more productive, ultimately benefiting employers as well.

While the idea of working only four days and having three days off is undoubtedly appealing to many individuals, companies must ensure that this arrangement does not create issues for them. Some organizations have addressed this by reducing employees’ wages in correlation with the reduced work hours.

Globally, thousands of companies have introduced or tested a four-day workweek, and in the Czech Republic, several software, consulting, and financial firms have allowed their employees to adopt this schedule.

Citfin, a financial company, implemented the four-day workweek five years ago, with approximately one-fifth of its workforce having the option to utilize it. The company found success with this arrangement in its dealing department, particularly within the call center where currency exchange transactions are closed. The four-day workweek is not limited to Fridays but extends to other days as well. However, during demanding months, employees do not receive an additional day off.

Dagmar Rottova, speaking on behalf of Citfin, explained that if employees meet their monthly targets, they will work only four days the following month. As long as everyone realistically achieves their goals, they can coordinate their days off to ensure smooth departmental operations.

According to expert Jan Kluson, it is crucial for companies not to simply compress the same 40 hours of work into four days. Instead, they should streamline internal processes to enable the same amount of work to be completed within a shorter timeframe.

However, challenges can arise in terms of performance, as highlighted by an anonymous manager from a large e-commerce group. When employees have Fridays off, there is a risk of viewing Thursday as a pseudo-Friday and experiencing reduced productivity in the latter half of the day. Moreover, after three consecutive days of rest, employees may initially struggle to regain momentum on Mondays.

The four-day workweek is not just a phenomenon in the Czech Republic; it has gained traction in other countries as well. British companies have experimented with this concept and are interested in its continued application. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed support for introducing a shorter workweek in the United Kingdom, reflecting a similar discussion around whether a four-day workweek would be advantageous for both employees and employers.