The 4-day workday: reality or fantasy?

Working 40 hours, 5 days a week is for many an idea that is impossible to change and that our productive system needs to continue working without losing efficiency or competitive capacity compared to other economies that do not have marked limits or labor legislation.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
31 July 2023 Monday 16:58
7 Reads
The 4-day workday: reality or fantasy?

Working 40 hours, 5 days a week is for many an idea that is impossible to change and that our productive system needs to continue working without losing efficiency or competitive capacity compared to other economies that do not have marked limits or labor legislation.

However, in recent years, the proposal to reduce working hours to four days a week or to cut working hours to fewer hours each day to improve family reconciliation and the quality of life of all citizens has become increasingly louder. from the country.

Clara Carbó, sales manager at Simpling.pro, tells us about how her company has opted for the four-day working day: “We decided to implement this model as a hook to attract talent when we founded Simpling.pro in 2020. We were in the middle of Covid, there was a lot of uncertainty and betting on a newly founded company was not very attractive”, he explains.

“Also, no one knew us, we couldn't pay large fixed salaries or other employee benefits. So the main objective of implementing the 4-day shift was to compete with other job offers and convince people to join the project", points out Carbó, who considers that "there is no greater benefit to the employee than being able to dedicate a day to the week for whatever you like."

She gives herself as an example: "In my case, for example, on Fridays I have private tennis lessons and for me there is no better way to end the week," she explains, although she acknowledges that "it is feasible to maintain this day permanently, although not for all departments of the company”.

The benefits of this model are several, according to Carbó: “We have formed a fantastic team of 20 people (50% with said shift), we have been profitable since the first year and we are expanding our services to other countries. In addition to attracting talent, it has also allowed us to retain it since we have practically no staff turnover at Simpling.pro”, he explains.

However, certain teams have not been able to cut the fifth day: “We have been able to see that this working day is not viable for all departments. The team that mainly benefits from this policy is the sales team, which we try to concentrate meetings with clients from Monday to Thursday”, he comments.

“In any case, we are always available for any meeting or video call that a client needs on a Friday. On the other hand, the operations/logistics team has stopped having this day since it is not compatible with the management of the sampling campaigns”, highlights Clara Carbó about the revolutionary model.

The electoral campaign has also dealt with this issue, with Yolanda Díaz betting on a general working day of 37 hours: "We know that it is not a day that can be extended in a general way to all departments or to all companies, but for certain positions it is viable and generates a great feeling of belonging and helps you retain talent”, responds Carbó.

At Simpling.pro they do not consider returning to the usual day, since with the four-day one "it helps them to attract and retain talent". For this, a powerful Human Resources team with advanced training that is capable of attracting professionals and organizing this type of revolutionary bet is essential.

The Master in Human Resources Management trains you to lead and manage the human capital of an organization or company. You will learn to know and discover the value that the recruitment and selection of adequate personnel brings.

With the Master in Leadership and Human Resources Management, you will learn an innovative program that complements the classic concept of leading teams of people, with the current and necessary ingredient of leadership. It is a unique proposal, which intensifies training towards leadership and talent management

The Master's Degree in Human Resources Management will allow you to acquire all the knowledge and skills necessary to manage human resources departments in any company.