The Benefits of a 4 Day Working Week in Manufacturing and What It Could Mean for Productivity & Efficiency

Introduction

As we head into May, the month of Bank Holidays, we’ve been talking about 4 day working weeks and how they could affect the sectors we work in. 

A 4 Day Working Week (4DW) is an innovative approach to structuring the working week that reduces the number of days worked from five to four. It offers a range of benefits, including increased productivity, greater work-life balance and improved morale. The concept has been gaining traction in recent years as more companies are looking for ways to make their employees happier and more productive. But is this the case for manufacturing?

4 Day Working Week & Manufacturing

In the manufacturing industry, reducing costs can be a daunting task. However, introducing a 4 day working week can have a significant impact on cost savings. By allowing employees to work fewer hours each week, companies can reduce their payroll expenses while still maintaining the same level of productivity. Additionally, it can lead to improved employee morale and engagement which in turn leads to better performance and higher customer satisfaction levels. With the right implementation strategy, a 4 day working week could be the answer to cost savings in manufacturing.

4 Day Working Week & The Benefits

The concept of a 4-day working week has been gaining traction in the last few years, with many companies now implementing it to increase employee satisfaction and productivity. It has been suggested that by reducing the traditional 5-day work week to 4 days, employees will be able to take more time off for rest and leisure activities, as well as spend more quality time with their families. This could lead to increased job satisfaction and improved morale, which in turn can have a positive impact on productivity. In this article, we will discuss how the 4-day working week can benefit both employers and employees.

For some of our Clients within Handley James we have seen an increase in a 4.5 day week and this always has been a perk when highlighted to candidates. The working world has changed and candidates know they are in a leading position currently on the market. More hybrid and working from home options have become available and in some cases this is seen as an essential when looking for a new position. 

Within manufacturing a 4 day working week is sometimes not achievable with busy 24/7 working lines and months of production to think about in advance. We understand that but we would also emphasise the other options such as hybrid working and offer flexibility where possible.

Here at Handley James HQ we really do try to be as flexible as possible. Some of our employees work around children's school hours, we ensure dentist/doctors appointments are not an issue. School plays and sports days are an essential. We even insist this is shared on our internal whatsapp so we can all join in on the fun. Life is for the living and we want everyone to know that their hard work deserves hard play so let's not miss out on the important moments. The world of recruitment is not 9-5 so we’re not.