This week during a discussion with a client, I suggested a four day working week. Initially they laughed and said impossible. But when we actually started looking at how it would work, they realised it is actually achievable.
How? Well, you need the right mindset, a strategy and commitment to change. Having a clear goal will increase productivity and improve the work life balance. The trial from 2023 showed a reduction in stress levels and an improvement in levels of burnout, anxiety and fatigue.
If it can work for a larger business, it can work for your business too. (Yes, even if it is just you).
Step 1: Mindset
Before you can change your schedule, you need to change your thinking. Many small business owners believe that more hours will equal more success. In reality productivity peaks when we focus on efficiency rather than slogging away for hours.
Key mindset shifts:
- Time spent working does not always equal value created.
- A well rested, focused entrepreneur is more effective than a burnt out one.
- Delegation and automation are not luxuries, they are essentials.
Start by asking yourself. What would I need to change in my business for a four day week to be possible?
Step 2: Streamline and Automate
The key to working fewer hours is to make your processes as efficient as possible.
Ways to streamline:
- Identify repetitive tasks and automate them.
- Batch similar tasks together, time block your calendar with no interruptions.
- Set clear boundaries with clients about response times and availability.
Once you start to implement these things you will feel yourself inching forward to the four day week.
Step 3: Prioritises High Impact Work
Not all tasks are worthy of your time. For example you can charge £100 per hour for your expertise. Why are you spending 2 hours a day responding to emails?
Ask Yourself:
- What tasks generate revenue?
- What activities directly support business growth?
- What can be eliminated, automated or outsourced?
Use the 80/20 rule. 80% of your results likely come from 20% of your efforts. Focus on that 20% and cut back on those low impact tasks.
Step 4: Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
A major hurdle to reducing working hours is client expectations. If you are always available, people will always expect you to be available.
How to set boundaries:
- Create clear working hours and then stick to them.
- Use an email auto response to manage expectations.
- Be upfront with clients about your availability and deadlines.
- Schedule meetings only on specific days to protect focus time.
A shorter workweek only works if you respect your own boundaries and enforce them.
Step 5: Test and Adjust Your Schedule
Start small. Rather than jumping straight into a four day week, transition gradually.
Ways to experiment
- Start by finishing early one day a week and assess the impact.
- Reduce the meetings and admin work that you either can’t do, won’t do or shouldn’t be doing.
- Track productivity and identify areas for improvement.
After testing, refine your approach. If necessary, adjust workloads and improve processes. Communicate these changes and gradually start to clear that diary for a day every week.
The Long Term Benefits
A four day workweek isn’t just about working less. It’s about remembering why you wanted to work for yourself. That freedom and autonomy you craved. A four day week isn’t practical for all businesses. Some people thrive on working all the hours.
But for those people who are craving more balance, a four day week could be the answer. Increased productivity, more energy and significant health benefits could be yours.
With the right mindset and strategy, reducing your workweek is completely achievable. The key is to focus on the goal and take the steps to change your reality. Start with the small changes and build it up from there.
Need someone to Help With That? Let me know how I can help.