Taking a bold step toward rethinking the modern workplace, the coaching firm Exos, which is based in the United States, has begun a trial of a four-day workweek that will last for a period of six months. The objective of the effort is to reduce the amount of burnout experienced by employees and to raise productivity, all while preserving or even improving the overall performance of the organization.
The four-day workweek trial at Exos
Exos, which has over 3,000 employees worldwide, is well-known for its corporate wellness initiatives and professional athlete training. Employees can choose to spend their Fridays however they see fit—catching up on work, taking the day off, or relaxing—as long as they don’t plan meetings or text coworkers. The trial, called “You Do You Fridays,” gives employees this flexibility.
Trial structure and employee participation
Salaried employees continued to work 40 hours across four days without a pay cut, while hourly staff had the flexibility to work between 32 and 40 hours. This adjustment was guided by the idea of intentional recovery and building rest into the weekly schedule effectively.
Statistical insights from the trial
The trial’s success is reflected in various quantitative measures:
- Productivity and performance: Post-trial reports indicated that 91% of employees felt they spent their time more effectively compared to 64% prior to the trial. Manager appraisals confirmed that performance levels remained consistent.
- Business outcomes: Despite the reduced workweek, Exos reported stable business performance and productivity, a noticeable increase in revenue, and a significant reduction in employee turnover—from 47% in 2022 to 29% in 2023.
- Employee retention and morale: The reduction in turnover suggests an improvement in employee satisfaction and retention, likely influenced by the enhanced work-life balance.
Operational adjustments and challenges
To support the transition, Exos implemented several operational changes:
- Microbreaks and meeting management: Managers limited most meetings to 25 minutes and promoted asynchronous work to minimize disruptions.
- Strategic allocation of workdays: Tuesdays and Thursdays were designated as meeting days, while Mondays and Wednesdays were reserved for focused, individual work.
Broader implications and future outlook
The successful results of Exos’s trial are consistent with worldwide trends, since other studies have demonstrated that a four-day workweek can greatly increase output, morale, and worker well-being.
The United States is witnessing an increase in legislative backing for a uniform shorter workweek. Prominent lawmakers such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Mark Takano are spearheading these measures.
Conclusion
The four-day workweek is a potential change in the nature of work in the future, not just a short-term experiment. Given the significant improvements in both employee well-being and business performance that have been seen, this approach may set a new benchmark for workplace culture by highlighting the reality that maximum productivity may be attained without sacrificing employee happiness. The typical five-day workweek may become obsolete as more companies take this model into consideration, giving rise to more balanced, effective, and satisfying work environments.
