Occupational Wellbeing

The Great 4-Day Workweek Experiment: 33 Companies Say Yes To Fridays Off

February 12, 2023
Mohit Sahni
The Great 4-Day Workweek Experiment: 33 Companies Say Yes To Fridays Off

Picture this: It's Friday afternoon, and instead of counting down the minutes until the workweek ends, you're actually looking forward to a long, relaxing weekend. No more working on Fridays - that's right, it's time to swap the 9-to-5 grind for a 4-day workweek. And the best part? You'll still get paid the same amount.

Sounds too good to be true? Well, the results of a recent six-month experiment by 33 companies organized by 4 Day Week Global say otherwise. The trial, which took place in six countries, aimed to see if employees could work just as efficiently 80% of the time. And the results showed the resounding success of the 4-day work week: companies reported increased revenue, improved employee well-being, and even a positive impact on the environment. 

So, if you're looking to convince your boss to make the switch, the evidence is here - the 4-day workweek is the real deal.

The Skeptics

The Great 4-Day Workweek Experiment:  33 Companies Say Yes To Fridays Off
Photo by Ant Rozetsky on Unsplash

At the beginning of the journey, the idea of a condensed work week at Soothing Solutions sparked a barrage of skepticism and uncertainty among the workforce. Employees pondered the practicality and profitability of such a change. 

However, as the trial progressed, the tide of doubt began to shift, and the company's founders found themselves with no worries about the impact on business growth. The benefits of a shorter workweek were palpable, and the skeptics were quickly won over.

The Push for a Four-Day Workweek

The four-day workweek is no longer just a pipe dream; it's a growing movement. With successful trials at companies like Bolt, positive results reported in Iceland, and a 2019 Henley Business School research paper, the push for shorter work weeks is gaining momentum. 

The trend is a response to the "Great Resignation," a shift in how employees view their work-life balance and a desire to reevaluate the traditional work model. Despite some pushback from skeptics, the four-day workweek is quickly proving its worth and paving the way for a new way of thinking about work.

No Downsides

The Great 4-Day Workweek Experiment:  33 Companies Say Yes To Fridays Off
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

For nearly a century, the 40-hour workweek has been the backbone of the American labor force. But like any rigid structure, it's time for a change, and companies like Rent a Recruiter are leading the charge with their participation in the four-day workweek trial. 

This shift towards more flexible work arrangements is not the first time the traditional model of work has been disrupted. In 1926, Henry Ford reduced the workweek to five days; in 1940, the Fair Labor Standards Act set the standard at 40 hours. 

And now, with the Great Resignation and a desire to rethink the traditional 9-to-5 grind, the movement towards a four-day workweek is gaining momentum, with successful trials at companies like Bolt and positive results highlighted in the 2019 Henley Business School research paper. This trend towards a shorter workweek may just be the mold-breaking change the workforce needs to balance work and life.

"The future of work is less about the number of hours worked and more about the impact made." - Sarah Robb O'Hagan 

The Results

The 4 Day Week Global trial results were nothing short of revolutionary. As the dust settled, it was evident that the four-day workweek had not only unlocked the potential for increased revenue but it had also unleashed a wave of benefits for employees and the environment.

Gone were the long, dreary workweeks that sapped the energy and morale of employees. In their place, a renewed sense of purpose and vitality as workers reveled in the newfound freedom of an extra day off. Health and well-being improved as individuals were able to focus on self-care and recharge their batteries.

The four-day workweek is no longer a pipe dream; it's a reality. With 100 more companies already considering or implementing the approach, it's time for your company to break free from the constraints of the traditional workweek and join the ranks of trailblazers like Rent a Recruiter. So, pack up your briefcase and enjoy your weekends because it's time to stop working on Fridays (or Mondays).

Inference

In conclusion, the four-day workweek is not just a whimsical notion; it's a well-tested and proven solution that has brought countless benefits to companies and employees alike. The advantages are clear for all to see, from improved well-being and increased revenue to a more sustainable future. 

So, why not make the leap and join the growing cohort of forward-thinking companies who have said goodbye to their boring, outdated workweeks and hello to a brighter, more productive tomorrow? It's time to experience the magic of a four-day workweek and embrace the gift of three glorious days off. Say yes to Fridays off! Do you have any more ideas to increase productivity while still maintaining a work-life-balance? Get in touch with us and we will help you get the word out.

Occupational Wellbeing

Corporate Wellness 2.0: Redefining workplaces with AI and ML

January 18, 2023
The Wellness Tribe Team
Take an in-depth look at how AI and machine learning are shaping the future of employee health and well-being to unlock the power of Corporate Wellness 2.0.

Corporate Wellness is no longer just about offering a gym membership and encouraging employees to take the stairs instead of the elevator. In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, companies recognize the need for a more holistic approach to employee health and well-being. 

Enter Corporate Wellness 2.0, a new era of workplace wellness that leverages the power of AI and machine learning to create personalized, data-driven programs that improve employee engagement and productivity. But what exactly is Corporate Wellness 2.0, and how is it changing the game?

From One-Size-Fits-All to Tailored

Today, Corporate Wellness programs have expanded to include a variety of initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These can include stress management, mental health support, financial wellness resources, and more traditional physical health and fitness programs. Companies are also beginning to recognize the importance of a culture of well-being and are implementing policies and practices that support employee health and well-being.

Despite the advancements in Corporate Wellness, traditional programs still have limitations.

For example, many programs are based on a one-size-fits-all approach and lack personalization. This is where Corporate Wellness 2.0 comes in. By leveraging the power of AI and machine learning, Corporate Wellness 2.0 can create tailored and personalized programs that cater to the unique needs of each employee.

Corporate Wellness is not a perk, it's a performance enhancement." -Maggie Jenkins

How AI and Machine Learning are Changing the Game

Take an in-depth look at how AI and machine learning are shaping the future of employee health and well-being to unlock the power of Corporate Wellness 2.0.
Image by creativeart on Freepik 

Personalized Progress

Corporate Wellness 2.0 harnesses the power of AI and machine learning to create personalized wellness tracking and goal-setting for employees. By gathering data on employee health and well-being, AI and machine learning can create customized plans for each individual, taking into account factors such as age, gender, health conditions, and lifestyle. This personalized approach ensures that employees are more likely to engage with the program and achieve their wellness goals.

Custom-Made for You

With the use of AI and machine learning, Corporate Wellness 2.0 can also create tailored plans for individual employees. The technology can analyze data on an employee's physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress levels and then provide personalized recommendations for how they can improve their health and well-being. This approach ensures that each employee receives a program that is specifically designed for their needs and goals.

Data-Driven Decisions

Another significant advantage of Corporate Wellness 2.0 is the ability to utilize data and analytics to track progress. By gathering data on employee health and well-being, companies can gain a deeper understanding of their employees' needs and monitor the effectiveness of their Corporate Wellness programs. This allows companies to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve their wellness offerings. 

AI-Powered Nutrition and Exercise

From Generic to Specific

Corporate Wellness 2.0 uses AI and machine learning to create customized nutrition and exercise plans for each employee. By analyzing data on factors such as physical activity levels, dietary habits, and health conditions, AI and machine learning can make personalized recommendations for how employees can improve their nutrition and exercise. This approach ensures that employees receive a program that is tailored to their specific needs and preferences, increasing the chances of engagement and success.

Optimizing Resources

By analyzing data on employee usage and engagement, companies can better understand which resources and services are most effective and make informed decisions on how to allocate resources. This can help companies make the most of their Corporate Wellness budget and ensure that employees have access to the resources and services they need to improve their health and well-being.

The ultimate support for mental health in the workplace

AI and Machine Learning: The ultimate support for mental health in the workplace
Photo by Kevin Ku on Unsplash

Mental Health Tailored to You

One of the most significant advantages of Corporate Wellness 2.0 is its ability to provide personalized mental health resources and techniques through the use of AI and machine learning. By analyzing data on employee stress levels, mood, and mental health conditions, AI and machine learning can provide individualized recommendations for mental health resources and techniques, such as meditation, therapy, and stress management. This personalized approach ensures that employees receive the support they need to improve their mental health and well-being.

Burnout Be Gone

In addition to providing personalized resources and techniques, AI and machine learning can also help companies detect and prevent burnout through the use of data and analytics. By monitoring employee stress levels, mood, and engagement, companies can detect early signs of burnout and take steps to prevent it before it becomes a significant issue. This can help companies create a culture of well-being and ensure that employees are able to maintain their health and productivity in the long term.

Closing Thoughts

Corporate Wellness 2.0 is ushering in a new era of workplace wellness, where technology and data take center stage. By harnessing the power of AI and machine learning, companies are able to create customized and personalized programs that cater to the unique needs of each employee. 

At The Wellness Tribe, we harness the power of AI and machine learning to create customized and personalized corporate wellness programs that cater to each employee's unique needs. Our approach is not just about getting healthy; it's about fostering a culture of well-being, attracting and retaining top talent, and driving business success. Join The Wellness Tribe on the journey to a brighter future for Corporate Wellness.

Corporate Wellbeing

The Silent Treatment: The Job Search Spiral of Ghosting

February 19, 2023
The Wellness Tribe Team
The Silent Treatment: The Job Search Spiral of Ghosting

Picture this: You’ve been searching for your dream job for months and finally found the perfect opportunity. You send in your application and wait anxiously for a response. Days turn into weeks, and your inbox remains eerily quiet. 

You start to wonder if your application was even received. You check the job posting, and it's still up, giving you hope. But as the days turn into weeks and you hear nothing back, your hope turns into frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty. You've been ghosted. Once reserved for bad dating etiquette, ghosting has infiltrated the job search process, leaving job seekers and employers trapped in a spiral of silence. 

In this article, we'll explore the negative impact of ghosting in the job search process and the reasons why it's happening. We'll also provide tips for improving communication during the hiring process and how technology can play a role in ending this frustrating trend. 

Left in Limbo

The Silent Treatment: The Job Search Spiral of Ghosting
Photo by Vlada Karpovich

The silent treatment of ghosting in the job search process is not just discourteous, but it can also have significant negative impacts. Firstly, when job seekers receive no response from potential employers, they are left feeling abandoned in the dark, wondering what they did wrong or if they are still being considered. In addition, the lack of communication can lead to frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty, making the job search process even more daunting.

Secondly, ghosting can damage an employer's reputation as potential candidates share their negative experiences with others, leading to missed opportunities for finding the right candidates. 

Lastly, the long-term impacts of ghosting can be significant for both job seekers and employers, as it can create a lack of trust and transparency in the hiring process. Therefore, it's time to acknowledge the negative impacts of ghosting and take steps to improve communication during the hiring process.

"When you ghost a candidate, you're not just losing them for this job, you're losing them for any future opportunities as well." - Jessica Merrell, Founder of Workology

Wandering Eyes

The rise of ghosting in the job search process begs the question: why is it happening? There are several potential reasons why job seekers and employers alike may be guilty of going radio silent.

Firstly, some job seekers may not be fully committed to the hiring process and may be exploring multiple opportunities at once. This can lead to disinterest in a particular role or company and a lack of motivation to follow up on the application.

On the other hand, employers may not prioritise communication with candidates or may be juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. The result can be a lack of communication, leaving job seekers in the dark about their application status.

Another potential factor is the role of technology. With the rise of automated job search platforms and social media, communication during the job search process has become increasingly depersonalised. This can make it easier for job seekers and employers to avoid direct communication, leading to a higher likelihood of ghosting.

Regardless of the reasons behind it, the negative impact of ghosting in the job search process cannot be ignored. It's time to explore solutions for improving communication and preventing ghosting altogether.

Communication is Key

The Silent Treatment: The Job Search Spiral of Ghosting
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

It's clear that ghosting during the job search process is a frustrating and damaging trend for both job seekers and employers. Fortunately, there are steps that both parties can take to improve communication and prevent ghosting.

For job seekers:

  • Follow up after submitting an application to ensure it was received and express continued interest in the role.
  • Be patient and understanding but also assertive in following up on the status of the application.
  • Keep track of all applications and responses to stay organised and avoid confusion.

For employers:

  • Create a clear communication plan and stick to it, providing updates to candidates at every step of the hiring process.
  • Set realistic expectations for response time and follow through on commitments.
  • Utilise technology, such as automated responses and candidate tracking tools, to streamline communication and reduce the likelihood of ghosting.

By taking these steps, both job seekers and employers can work together to create a more positive and productive job search experience.

A Call to Action

In today's job market, ghosting has become an all-too-common occurrence. However, it doesn't have to be this way. By understanding the negative impact of ghosting and taking proactive steps to improve communication, job seekers and employers can work together to create a more positive and productive hiring process.

At the end of the day, clear communication and mutual respect are key to preventing ghosting and building strong relationships between job seekers and employers. So let's prioritise these values and put an end to the ghosting spiral once and for all.

As a corporate wellness company, we at The Wellness Tribe understand the importance of clear and respectful communication in all aspects of our lives, including the workplace. We believe that a positive and productive work environment starts with healthy communication, and we encourage employers to take the lead in preventing ghosting and creating a more positive hiring process for all.

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This month we are focusing on food and how it affects your mental health. Join us as we bring in the most relevant interesting content from across the wellness segment.

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