Main image via New & Improved + Atlassian
When you’re working five days a week, it always feels like the two-day weekend is not enough time to recuperate before having to start your work week all over again.
This company however, has figured out a way to solve that problem to give its employees a break and increase productivity at the same time!
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Back in August 2019, Microsoft Japan decided to introduce a four-day work week trial for its 2,300 employees. This was done in an effort to combat the problems from being overworked.
As many of us know, Japan is country that’s infamous for its lack of work-life balance as well as its toxic work culture. Therefore, knowing this, it is an incredible step forward for the tech giant in Japan.
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Mainichi reported that the 2,300 employees were given the five Fridays of August off, without any reduction in salary or annual leave.
The project, that was called the “Work-life Choice Challenge Summer 2019,” saw super shocking results! At the end of the month, the company’s saw an increase of 39.9% in productivity!
“It’s been proven!!!!!” the tweet reads. “From now on, let’s take 3 days a week throughout Japan!!!!! Even with 3-day weekends, Microsoft Japan announced a 40% productivity improvement!”
Tech.Nikkei reported that a significant portion of this productivity increase came from the changes in meetings.
Instead of having long and drawn out meetings in-person, several meetings were cut, shortened, or changed to virtual meetings.
Image via TrueConf
Employees were also recorded to have taken 25.4% fewer days off during that month, printed 58.7% less pages, and used 23.1% less electricity in the office. This helped the company save on a significant number of costs as well.
At the end of the trial month, a total of 92.1% of the 2,300 employees noted that they enjoyed having the four-day work week.
According to CNBC, Microsoft Japan plans to conduct a similar project to this in winter to encourage more flexible working.
Image via Drapers
Less working hours and more productivity? We’re totally on board!
Do you think this is a good move on the employers’ part? Would your work place ever try out this experiment? Let us know and share this with your boss if you dare!
Info via Mothership