Essay 600 words

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Blacktown Girls High School *

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SBM513

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Arts Humanities

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Nov 24, 2024

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docx

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5

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TASK 1: ESSAY TOPIC: THERE ARE EFFORTS IN THE UK AND AROUND THE WORLD TO TRIAL A 4-DAY WORKING WEEK. TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU BELIEVE THIS IS BENEFICIAL FOR COMPANIES AND EMPLOYEES?
Table of Contents Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Hook Statement .......................................................................................................................... 3 Thesis Statement ........................................................................................................................ 3 Essay Outline ............................................................................................................................. 3 Main Body ....................................................................................................................................... 3 Logical Argument 1: Enhanced Employee Productivity ........................................................... 3 Logical Argument 2: Improved Work-Life Balance .................................................................. 3 Supported Evidence ................................................................................................................... 4 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Reference list ................................................................................................................................... 5 2
Introduction Several countries, especially the UK, consider experimenting with a 4-day workweek in hopes to reshape conventional work schedules. This essay explores the potential benefits of condensing the workweek for both employers and employees, taking into account the many factors at play in the workplace and the varying standards set by society. Hook Statement The concept of a 4-day workweek has emerged as an innovation, challenging conventional beliefs about productivity and employee well-being, in this technological advancement’s era and changing mindsets towards work. Thesis Statement Employees and employers together can gain substantial benefits from switching to a 4-day workweek due to increased productivity, lower turnover, better job satisfaction and a more sustainable work-life balance. Essay Outline The effects of a shorter workweek of only 4 days will be explored in this essay. The benefits to organizations will be discussed first, with an emphasis on enhanced productivity and lower turnover rates. Employee advantages, such as increased job satisfaction and better work-life balance, will then be highlighted. There will be evidence and sources to back up every claim, making this an in-depth look at the topic. Main Body Logical Argument 1: Enhanced Employee Productivity Employee productivity may increase on a 4-day work week, which is a strong argument in favor of the lesser work schedule. There is evidence that shorter workweeks may boost productivity by reducing burnout and weariness. According to research out of the University of Bern (Switzerland), reducing the number of hours an employee works leads to greater happiness and productivity on the job (Hanbury et al. 2023). This data demonstrates that a reduced workweek may increase productivity by making workers more engaged and enthusiastic about their job. Logical Argument 2: Improved Work-Life Balance The idea for a 4-day workweek puts an importance on helping workers achieve a better work-life balance. People would have more time for themselves, their families, and their hobbies, according to upholders of the idea that everyone should have an extra day off every year. The result may be 3
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less anxiety and more pleasure from working. The Workforce Institute's research backs up this idea, showing that workers who feel they have a healthy work-life balance become more committed to staying with their current employers (Austin-Egole et al. 2020). Therefore, a 4-day work week might be an effective retention strategy, helping businesses keep skilled workers who are also happy in their jobs. Supported Evidence To support the claim of higher productivity, a study examining the effect of reduced working hours on employee production in Sweden was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (Bjärntoft et al. 2020). The data demonstrated that a reduced workweek led to a considerable boost in productivity without sacrificing the quality of work. This empirical evidence adds weight to the argument that a 4-day working week can be a viable strategy for companies seeking to optimize their workforce. In terms of improved work-life balance, data from a survey conducted by the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) International Labour Review (ILR) demonstrated that a majority of respondents believed a shorter workweek would positively influence their personal lives (Antal et al. 2023). This evidence reinforces the potential benefits for employees and underscores the societal shift towards valuing non-professional aspects of life. Conclusion In conclusion, the transition to a 4-day working week holds substantial promise for both companies and employees. The logical arguments presented, supported by robust evidence, establish a compelling case for the potential benefits in terms of heightened productivity, improved employee satisfaction, and enhanced work-life balance. As global discussions on reshaping work norms continue, embracing innovative approaches such as a condensed work week may prove instrumental in creating a more sustainable and fulfilling work environment for all stakeholders involved. 4
Reference list Bjärntoft, S., Hallman, D.M., Mathiassen, S.E., Larsson, J. and Jahncke, H., 2020. Occupational and individual determinants of work-life balance among office workers with flexible work arrangements. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(4), p.1418. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/4/1418/pdf ( http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041418 ) Antal, M., Lehmann, B., Guimaraes Rodrigues, T., Halmos, A. and Lukács, B., 2023. Shorter hours wanted? A systematic review of working time preferences and outcomes. International Labour Review. https://doi.org/10.1111/ilr.12406 Hanbury, H., Illien, P., Ming, E., Moser, S., Bader, C. and Neubert, S., 2023. Working less for more? A systematic review of the social, economic, and ecological effects of working time reduction policies in the global North. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 19(1), p.2222595. https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2023.2222595 Austin-Egole, I.S., Iheriohanma, E.B. and Nwokorie, C., 2020. Flexible working arrangements and organizational performance: An overview. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 25(5), pp.50-59. https://www.academia.edu/download/63600665/D250506505920200611-19334-1qacfhv.pdf 5