4 Day Work week Job: Companies Hiring and How to Land a Role

4 day work week job
The 4 day work week job has gained significant attention in recent years. Companies and job-seekers are looking for ways to balance productivity with personal time. Imagine having a three-day weekend every week while maintaining your full-time job. It’s becoming a reality! In this article, we explore everything you need to know about the 4-day workweek, from the pros and cons to the companies leading the way and tips for landing a role offering this exciting schedule.

What is a 4 Day Workweek job?

A 4-day workweek is a model where employees work fewer days—typically four days instead of five. The most popular setup is the 100:80:100 model, where employees work 80% of the hours (usually 32 hours) and receive 100% of their pay. This model, often referred to as the “gold standard,” is highly favored by both job-seekers and companies.
Other variations include:
  • Compressed full-time hours: Employees work the same number of hours (40 hours) but compress them into four days, such as four 10-hour days.
  • Reduced hours, same pay: Employees may work fewer hours (32 hours) and still receive the same pay.
This approach aims to maintain productivity while offering employees more personal time. The 32-hour workweek at 100% pay has shown the best results in trials.

Pros and Cons of the 4-Day Workweek

Pros

Better Work-Life Balance: The extra day off each week provides more time for family, hobbies, or relaxation.

Example: Microsoft Japan’s 2019 study found a 40% increase in productivity after implementing a 4-day workweek.

Increased Productivity: Employees working fewer hours tend to be more focused and productive.

Data Point: Perpetual Guardian in New Zealand reported a 20% increase in productivity after a 4-day workweek trial.

Reduced Burnout: More time to recharge helps reduce stress, improving mental health and long-term job satisfaction.

Study Findings: The Iceland 4-Day Workweek Trial showed a 25% reduction in stress and burnout.

Attracts Talent: Companies offering a 4-day workweek attract top talent, especially those seeking better flexibility.

Hiring Advantage: A Gallup survey found that flexible schedules are among the top factors influencing job preference, especially for younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials.

Cons

Longer Workdays: To make up for the missed day, employees often work longer hours, such as four 10-hour days, which can be tiring.

Downside: Some employees report mental fatigue from extended workdays, especially in jobs that demand high focus.

Not for Every Industry: Industries that require constant customer service or shift work (e.g., healthcare, retail) may struggle with the 4-day workweek.

Example: Retail and emergency services companies find it difficult to implement the 4-day week as they need continuous coverage.

Possible Pay Cuts: Some companies reduce pay in proportion to reduced hours, but this is rare in modern trials where companies prefer no pay cuts.

Clarification: The 32-hour week at full pay (the “gold standard”) eliminates pay reductions. The 40-hour compressed schedule is more likely to result in pay cuts.

Impact on Team Coordination: Employees taking different days off can create coordination issues within teams.

Example: Teams that rely on constant collaboration may face delays due to employees working different days.

Despite these challenges, many workers and companies find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, leading to wider adoption of the 4-day workweek.

What Companies Are Already Offering 4-Day Workweeks?

The 4-day workweek is growing, especially in the tech, fintech, and digital sectors. Many leading companies have adopted the 100:80:100 model (100% pay for 80% time, maintaining 100% productivity). Here are some of the top companies offering this model:
  1. Buffer (Social Media Tech): Made their 32-hour workweek permanent after a successful trial, with full pay.
  2. Bolt (Fintech): Permanently adopted the 4-day workweek (32 hours/full pay) in 2022, following a successful pilot.
  3. Awin (Affiliate Marketing): Offers a 4-day workweek across its global workforce, making it a significant commitment for an international company.
  4. Atom Bank (Digital Banking): Implemented a 34-hour workweek for all staff at full pay.
  5. Microsoft Japan: Saw a 40% increase in productivity during its 4-day workweek trial.
  6. Kickstarter: Transitioned to a 32-hour workweek at full pay, focusing on employee well-being and performance.
  7. Wildbit (Software Development): Offers a 32-hour workweek, focusing on results and full pay.
  8. DNSFilter (Cybersecurity): Adopted the 100:80:100 model, reporting increased employee satisfaction and productivity.
These companies show that the 4-day workweek is scalable and successful across various industries. The 4 Day Week Global initiative and other large-scale trials, such as in the UK, further demonstrate the global adoption of the model.

How to Find 4-Day Workweek Jobs

Finding a 4-day workweek job may seem challenging, but it’s possible. Here’s how to improve your job search:
  1. Use Targeted Search Keywords: Use terms like “4 day work week jobs”, “jobs with 4 day work week”, or “4 day work week remote jobs” on job boards and search engines.
  2. Check Niche Job Boards: Websites like Jobikos, 4dayweek.io, and FlexJobs specialize in flexible work schedules, including the 4-day workweek.
  3. Filter for Remote Opportunities: Filter for remote roles and use specific keywords to find jobs with a 4-day schedule.
  4. Research Companies with Flexible Work Policies: Look for companies known for promoting flexible work arrangements (e.g., tech companies, digital agencies).
  5. Network and Ask Directly: Leverage your network and ask about any 4-day workweek opportunities. You can also directly ask recruiters if a role offers this schedule.
By following these strategies, you can find opportunities that align with your preferred work schedule.

5 Tips for Landing a 4-Day Workweek Role

To land a 4-day workweek job, here are five actionable tips:
  1. Highlight Your Efficiency: Emphasize your ability to get work done efficiently. Companies offering a 4-day workweek want employees who can manage their time and deliver results without micromanagement.
  2. Show Flexibility: Be open to the type of 4-day workweek offered. Some companies may expect longer hours on the four days worked, so be prepared to discuss how you’ll handle the workload.
  3. Network in the Right Circles: Connect with people in companies offering flexible schedules through LinkedIn, professional associations, or industry meetups.
  4. Tailor Your Resume: Showcase skills like time management, productivity, and remote work experience. Customize your resume for flexible work environments.
  5. Be Ready to Discuss Productivity Metrics: Be prepared to discuss how you’ll ensure 100% productivity in 80% of the time. Mention tools like task batching, asynchronous communication, or time-tracking apps.
By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of landing a role with a 4-day workweek.

Conclusion

The 4 day workweek is no longer just a dream. It’s becoming mainstream, with more companies adopting the model every year. Whether you’re looking for a full-time role with fewer hours or a remote opportunity, the 4-day workweek offers a unique work-life balance. By understanding the benefits, drawbacks, and strategies for finding and landing these roles, you can position yourself for success in this growing trend.

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