Employees’ Holiday: If you are tired of long office hours and week-long fatigue, then there is good news for you! After ongoing discussions between the government and companies, a proposal is being put forward for employees to work only 4 days a week. If everything goes according to plan, then from April every employee will get 3 days off in a week.
The aim of this change is to improve the work-life balance of employees and increase their productivity. Let’s know the complete details of this new system, its benefits, challenges and how it will affect your life.
Employees Holiday: What is the proposal of 4-Day Work Week?
1. The main objective of the proposal
The main objective of this proposal is to provide more comfort and better mental health to the employees so that they can be more productive in fewer days.
Work 4 days a week , 3 days off.
Proposal to increase working hours to 10 hours per day to complete the total weekly hours.
Improved work-life balance and positive impact on mental health .
2. Will this change be for everyone?
This system may initially be implemented for government employees and some private companies .
Gradually it will be expanded to more sectors , like IT, banking, and education.
Employees’ leave: When will this new system be implemented?
| Declaration date | Likely date of implementation | Enforcing Agencies/Companies |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | April 2025 | Government departments, IT sector, Corporate houses |
Note: Initially this proposal will be implemented as a pilot project and may be made permanent based on the response of the employees.
Employee leave: Benefits of a 4-day work week
1. Improve work-life balance
More leaves will allow employees to spend quality time with their families , improving their mental health .
- Less stress and fatigue: Reduced stress from constant work.
- Improved health: Rest and recreation will improve physical and mental health.
Family and personal time: Opportunities to spend time with family will increase.
2. Increase in Productivity
Due to working in less time, employees will work with more focus , which will increase productivity .
- Focused work style: Tendency to accomplish goals within a limited time.
- Need to take fewer leaves: Reduction in the number of unplanned leaves due to pre-scheduled leaves.
3. Environmental Benefits
Going to office for fewer days will reduce carbon emissions , which will benefit the environment.
- Less traffic: Less visits to office also results in relief from traffic.
- Energy savings: Use of electricity and other resources for fewer days in the office.
Potential Challenges for Employees
1. Increased working hours
Although there will be 3 days off in a week, but on the remaining 4 days the employees may have to work for up to 10 hours .
- Long work hours: Working long hours can cause fatigue.
- Work and rest balance: Working long hours may not be easy for everyone.
2. Not suited for certain industries
In some sectors such as manufacturing , healthcare , and customer service , a 4-day work week may be difficult to implement.
- Impact on 24×7 services: Difficulty in shifting healthcare and emergency services.
- Managing client needs: Employees dealing with international markets may face challenges.
Which sectors are ready for a 4-day work week?
| Sector | Likelihood of implementation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| IT and technology | High | Flexible work hours and remote work option. |
| Corporate and Banking | Medium | It may start as a pilot project. |
| Government departments | High | Ready for new changes at the government level. |
| Healthcare and emergency services | Less | 24×7 service required, shift changes difficult. |
| Manufacturing | Less | Constant presence in the production process is necessary. |
Experience of a 4-day work week in other countries of the world
1. Japan
Microsoft Japan adopted a 4-day work week , seeing a 40% increase in productivity .
2. Iceland
In a trial conducted between 2015-2019, employees reported better work-life balance and less stress .
3. New Zealand
A company in Perth saw a 30% improvement in productivity after adopting a 4-day work week .
What do companies say about the 4-day work week in India?
1. Reaction of the corporate world
Many big IT companies such as TCS , Infosys , and Wipro are considering this proposal.
Hybrid work mode: Some companies may operate on a 4-day office and rest of the days work-from-home model.
Productivity focus: Companies can encourage more work to be done in less time.
2. Government stance
The government has also hinted at adopting this model as a pilot project , especially in those departments where it is easy to implement.
Potential advantages and disadvantages of a 4-day work week
| Benefits | Damage |
|---|---|
| Improve work-life balance | Long working hours can increase fatigue. |
| Increased Productivity | Difficult to implement for some sectors. |
| Improve mental and physical health | Challenges in client and international work. |
| Reducing traffic and carbon emissions | Additional pressure for some employees. |
Preparation Tips for Employees
- Improve time management: As working hours increase , the need for time management will increase.
- Pay attention to mental and physical health: Working for 10 hours continuously can be tiring, so pay attention to rest and exercise .
- Maintain a work-life balance: Spend time with family and friends on your days off.
- Opportunity to learn new skills: You will get an opportunity to develop new skills and hobbies in the extra time .
