LiveCareer, a leader in career services for resumes and cover letters, unveiled its 4-Day Work Week Report, highlighting how American workers feel about shifting to a four-day, 40-hour workweek. Surveying 1,130 workers, the report explores productivity, preferences, and the potential role of AI and automation in making this change a reality.
Key Findings
1. Increased Productivity and Support for a Four-Day Workweek:
- 67% of respondents believe they would be more productive working four 10-hour days.
- Women overwhelmingly favor the shift (76%) compared to men (57%).
2. The Role of AI and Automation:
- 78% of workers see AI and automation as key enablers of a four-day workweek, with men (86%) more optimistic than women (71%).
3. Differing Perspectives on Productivity and Collaboration:
- Women value work-life balance and reduced commuting costs (69% and 40%) more than men (52% and 21%).
- Men are more concerned about reduced collaboration time (48%) than women (28%).
Why Workers Favor a Four-Day Workweek
The survey reveals that a four-day workweek appeals to workers for several reasons, with the most cited benefits being:
- Better work-life balance (61%)
- Increased productivity (59%)
- Higher job satisfaction (59%)
Concerns About Productivity
Despite enthusiasm for a four-day schedule, some workers are cautious about its challenges:
- 63% fear longer workdays could lead to fatigue.
- 59% worry that condensed schedules might increase workloads or expectations.
- Men are more concerned about workload increases (69%) compared to women (58%).
Strategies to Boost Productivity in a Four-Day Workweek
Respondents shared their top strategies for maintaining efficiency:
- Better time management tools (54%)
- Setting clearer priorities and goals (51%)
- Focusing on professional outcomes over hours worked (45%)
Women particularly emphasize fewer meetings (50%) and remote work options (39%) as critical productivity boosters.
Optimism About Technology
AI and automation are seen as essential for sustaining productivity in a four-day workweek:
- 78% believe these technologies can support this transition.
- Men express greater optimism (86%) than women (71%) about AI’s role in reshaping work structures.
The LiveCareer report reflects a strong preference among American workers for a four-day workweek, especially among women prioritizing flexibility and work-life balance. While concerns about fatigue and workload persist, optimism around AI and productivity tools indicates the potential for success in adopting this modern approach to work.
For detailed insights, access the full survey results at LiveCareer Report.
