The Covid pandemic has taught us a lot of things, one of which is the value of spending time with family and loved ones. The global health crisis transformed the way we do our businesses, and it pushed company owners to think of ways on how to become productive with much consideration on employee well-being.
Intelligent Outsourcing recently implemented a four-day
workweek schedule for its team members in exchange for the work from home (WFH)
setup after the threat of the Covid pandemic has leveled off. Arguably,
Intelligent Outsourcing is one of the very few companies in the Philippines who
implemented this, and the first company in Subic Bay and Legazpi, Albay where
our offices reside. Currently running on our fourth month with this setup, the
implementation is received positively by the team members.
The idea of a four-day workweek is not new, but recent
studies and successful company implementations have brought it to the
spotlight. Microsoft Japan reported a 40% increase in productivity after
implementing a four-day workweek experiment. This kind of success story has
inspired companies worldwide to reconsider the traditional work schedule and
explore alternatives that promote both productivity and employee well-being.
Contrary to the common belief that longer hours lead to greater productivity, research indicates that shorter workweeks enhance efficiency. The compressed schedule makes the employees motivated to prioritize tasks, eliminate time-wasting activities, and focus on important matters.
One of its advantages is a work-life balance. An additional day off provides a valuable opportunity for the team members to rest and rejuvenate and return to work with a clear mind and renewed energy. It can also be used to spend quality time with family and friends, pursue hobbies and interests, and engage in self-care activities. This work-life balance is crucial for the team members’ mental and physical well-being, reducing the burnout and enhancing overall job satisfaction.
Before iO implemented the four-day workweek, the potential
challenges and considerations have already been resolved. iO’s UK partners were
informed that a new schedule would be observed for 6 months, to which the
partners have completely understood. So far, all the clients are happy with the
performance of each team member. Also,
creating a strategic plan is a key to addressing the challenges and ensuring a
successful transition.
iO is committed to its vision of becoming a legacy business for the years to come. To be able to do that, we need team members who will stay with the company and help iO realize its vision. Transitioning to a four-day workweek can become beneficial as it prioritizes employee well-being, enhances work-life balance, and gives the team members enough time to be with family and friends. This forward-thinking approach fosters a more resilient and productive workforce.
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