Lifestyle
Microsoft Japan 4-Day Workweek Experiment Witnessed A 40% Productivity Increase
Work for a short time, rest well and learn more!
In August, Microsoft Japan embarked on an experiment titled ‘The Work-Life Choice Challenge Summer 2019’, trialing a 4-day work week for their workforce.
About 2,300 employees were permitted 5-Fridays off with no effect on salary and annual leave. Surprisingly, the experiment paid off as it became a huge success with increased productivity hinged at 40% and greater employee satisfaction.
Work for a short time, rest well and learn more. It’s important to have an environment that permits you to feel your purpose in life. I want employees to think about and experience how they can achieve the same results with 20% less working time.’ Takuya Hirano, the CEO and President Microsoft Japan said.
More info: Facebook
Microsoft Japan has disclosed the results of its 4-day work week trial
The five day work week is gradually entrenching into our work culture, despite studies proving over time that it’s not efficient as shorter workweeks. Working 10-16hours in the late 18th Century was regarded normal not until Welsh activist and advocate, Robert Owen brought up a slogan ‘Eight hours labor, 8-hour recreation and 8-hour rest.
More and more organizations, as well as scientists, are reconsidering what is considered normal, including Microsoft Japan.
‘The best empirical evidence shows the lessening full-time working hours can result in several positive outcomes for enterprises, workers and for the society as a whole.
Reducing full time working hour bring about fewer health problems, reduced health care costs, balanced work-life, better jobs, motivated and satisfied employees.
Additionally, shortening working hours can make a significant contribution to the greening of economies.’ The International Labour Organization (2018) reported.
Its, however, no longer as a surprise that the productivity of employees increased by 40%
Many of the meetings in Microsoft Japan were shortened and conducted remotely. Employees took about 24.5% less time off, electricity usage was cut down by 23.1%, 58% fewer pages were printed and 40% increase in productivity, implying that the trial was better for the environment as well.
Here’s How People Reacted To Microsoft Japan 4-Day Workweek Experiment
