Employers Delve into Shorter Workweeks to Combat Burnout Concerns

Some bosses are thinking about shortening the workweek because burnout is a big issue for workers. A recent survey by KPMG found that about 30% of large US companies are looking into new work schedule options like four-day or four-and-a-half-day workweeks.

Some executives are looking for ways to attract and keep talent in a competitive job market where employees often feel overwhelmed and under-compensated.

Paul Knopp, chair and CEO of KPMG US, mentioned in an interview with CNN, "We are constantly trying to find the best approach and are open to trying new strategies."

Many employees express a strong desire for a shorter work week. In a recent Gallup poll released in November, it was found that 77% of American workers believe that transitioning to a four-day, 40-hour work week would greatly benefit their overall wellbeing. Specifically, 46% of respondents stated that this change would have an "extremely positive" impact on their lives.

Some studies in the United States and Europe have shown that a four-day workweek can lead to improved well-being and productivity for workers. This is good news for employees.

Despite these positive findings, Knopp mentioned that it might be too early to conclude that this approach is becoming more popular.

"It's still too early to say that the four-day work week is the way of the future. Right now, it's still being tested out," he mentioned.

CEOs are currently exploring how this approach could be implemented, its effects on employee well-being, and whether it can reduce costs by promoting healthier workplaces.

Some companies that have tried out shorter workweeks are continuing with it. In the United Kingdom, a majority of companies involved in the world's largest trial of a four-day workweek were still allowing employees to work fewer hours a year later. In fact, over half of them had decided to make this change permanent.

Will AI shorten the workweek?

Of course, a shorter workweek may not work everywhere.

Knopp mentioned that a four-day workweek could be suitable for jobs in finance, marketing, and certain office settings. However, he pointed out that it may not be feasible for industries like healthcare facing labor shortages.

He expressed his belief that the implementation of a widespread four-day workweek could be a long way off, if it ever happens. Knopp anticipated that companies may start experimenting with it quietly, but he personally did not see it being widely adopted in the near future.

Knopp mentioned that artificial intelligence could potentially lead to shorter workweeks for employees as it can enhance efficiency. AI has the capability to automate everyday tasks like creating presentations, composing emails, and generating reports. Furthermore, it is expected to improve in handling even more advanced tasks in the future.

Knopp mentioned that generative AI could potentially help in making the four-day workweek more feasible. According to a survey by KPMG, 61% of US CEOs are promoting the use of generative AI among employees. This is to assist in automating routine tasks, reducing stress, and effectively managing workloads.

‘Hybrid is here to stay’

And in a win for workers, bosses appear to be dialing back their demands for workers to return to full-time in-office work.

Only 34% of US CEOs surveyed by KPMG believe that employees who used to work in the office will return to the physical workplace within the next three years. This is a decrease from 62% just one year ago.

On the other hand, 46% of CEOs now anticipate these positions to be hybrid (compared to 34% in 2023), while 3% predict that they will remain fully remote, according to KPMG.

“The views of employees haven’t changed. They want more flexibility. Now there is more recognition from CEOs that hybrid is here to stay,” Knopp said.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the growing interest among employers in exploring shorter workweeks to address employee burnout and attract and retain talent. Studies have shown that a four-day workweek can enhance well-being and productivity, and some companies have successfully implemented this approach. However, the widespread adoption of shorter workweeks faces challenges, particularly in industries with labor shortages.

Artificial intelligence emerges as a potential enabler for shorter workweeks by automating tasks and improving efficiency. Generative AI can assist employees in managing workloads and reducing stress. While the transition to a four-day workweek may be gradual, the article suggests that hybrid work arrangements are becoming increasingly prevalent, offering employees greater flexibility and work-life balance.