Global workforce did not envisage that so much changes will take place as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Apart from exposing workplaces to new ways of running businesses, restructure and rightsizing took place.
Then remote work became the order of the day. Trillions of dollars that could have been spent on travels, tours, hotels, allowances and other logistics were saved.
Consideration for the Mental health of workers also became essential.
And when the pandemic subsided a bit, it became difficult for staffs to return to the office and efforts made by employers to bring staffs back resulted in the global mass resignation.
As the great resignation rages on, flexibility became the bargaining tool in addition to better compensations and incentives.
Organisations have started adopting a 4day work week to make it compact and exciting to return to the office.
Countries like Iceland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Belgium have been rated as the most productive countries because of the policies. Just recently, Microsoft Japan joined the bandwagon having experienced 23% reduction in their overhead cost and especially electricity.
Adopting a four-day workweek is beneficial to both employers and employees.
Research conducted by Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development even showed that more working hours do actually equal less productivity.
For the Employer, the benefits are enormous. Cut down on Utility usage, wear and tear of work tools, Fuelling, consumables and other logistics.
It will also reduce excuse and request for casual or sick leave.
To achieve this, employers will need to restructure job functions, deliverables and tracking system per day for purposes of accountability.
For the employees, it encourages autonomy, flexibility and opportunity to use the remaining 3 days of the week as they deem fit especially for those who are creative. It also encourages many to have multiple streams of income.
Many Organisation like Panasonic, Buffer, Bolt and more have adopted this strategy.
Two questions: is this applicable in Nigeria? Who will lead?