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Blacktown Girls High School *
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Course
SBM513
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by ChancellorField3990
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
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3
Hook Statement
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3
Thesis Statement
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3
Essay Outline
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3
Main Body
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3
Logical Argument 1: Enhanced Employee Productivity
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3
Logical Argument 2: Improved Work-Life Balance
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3
Supported Evidence
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4
Conclusion
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4
Reference list
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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
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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
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