Pros of a 4-Day Work Week

• A four-day work week may result in higher productivity among employees. communication image by Louise McGilviray from Fotolia.com

  The change to a four-day work week has caused controversy among a variety of people, according to "Time" magazine. A four-day work week means that employees work four 10-hour shifts rather than five eight-hour shifts. Many communities have considered switching to the four-day work week for environmental, monetary and employee benefits. Many factors allow the four-day work week to prove a beneficial change.

Lower Gas Costs

• "Time" magazine states that after Utah state workers switched to a four-day work week, they saved $6 million in gasoline costs. Many employees commute to work, and not having to do that one day a week saves a lot of gas. Not only does this allow employees to save money, but it reduces energy use during that one day. Employees' cars also have less wear and tear due to not having to drive to work on a fifth day.

Higher Productivity

• People prove more productive in a shorter work week because it feels like they have less time to work, according to National Public Radio. Employees may realize that they have only a certain number of days to get things done, so they work harder. A three-day break also means that employees have to take less time off for vacation and personal leave.

Job Satisfaction

• Employees may show more job satisfaction when engaged in a four-day work week. "The Daily Herald" of Provo, Utah, states that a study completed in Spanish Fork, Utah, found that employees in a four-day work week were more satisfied with their compensation and benefits. The shorter work week provides employees with the perception that they have more time for their families and activities.

Lower Utility Bills

• With a four-day work week, government offices do not have to pay utility bills for an entire day, according to "Time" magazine. The four-day work week reduces the amount of money spent on using the electricity, heat and water. Less funds spent on utilities can allow these offices to allocate the money toward something that could help the community.