Is a 4 day work week better for Mental Health?

Surprising benefits of four-day working week Results showed people in the programme had higher self-perceived health status, reduced levels of stress, were less tired and felt happier and more personally satisfied. The drop in commuting also led to a reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions and improved air quality.

Can 4-day work week reduce burnout?

A lot of the benefits of the four-day workweek come down to a simple, everyday activity: sleep. In the UK trial, 40% of participants reported fewer sleep issues or insomnia, which in turn helped them feel less stressed, sick, and burned out.

Are 4 day work weeks actually better?

Overall, employees who work four days a week have 56% thriving wellbeing. For fully on-site employees, those who work four days a week have 57% thriving wellbeing, versus only 49% when working five days a week.

What are the benefits of a 4 day working week?

Employees taking part in the world's largest four-day week trial found that working one day fewer increased productivity, reduced burnout and increased wellbeing.

Is it OK to take time off work for mental health?

Yes. As with physical health problems, you are legally entitled to time off when struggling with mental health. Similarly to physical health problems, you will need to get a doctor's note if you are off for longer than 1 week due to mental health.

The Case for a 4-Day Work Week | Juliet Schor | TED

How many days can you take off work for mental health?

You may need a break to undergo treatment for severe depression or anxiety, or another mental health condition. If your workplace is covered, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows an unpaid medical or mental health leave of absence of up to 12 weeks. While an FMLA leave is unpaid, it does protect your job.

Is mental health a good reason to take a day off work?

While we're often good at reading the signs when our body needs a rest, we're not as used to giving our mind a break too. Taking a day off work for a mental health day is just as important as a sick day for a stomach bug or flu.

Why we shouldn't have a 4-day work week?

Putting in too much time at work, even for shorter stints, leads to stress, burnout, disconnect, scheduling conflicts, and bigger bills. In short, four-day work weeks might seem sweet, but they could fail employees and organizations.

Are 4 10 hour days better?

Happier and Less Stressed Employees

A 4/10 schedule increased employee happiness overall and lessen stress in the workplace. Many employees stated that the flexibility of working 4 days a week instead of 5—whether those days landed on a Monday or a Saturday—gave them more flexibility and more work-life balance.

How many hours is a 4-day work week?

There are three main types of 4 day work week: Employees work 4 “normal” days e.g. 4 × 8 hour days = 32 hours. Employees work 5 “shorter” days e.g. 5 × 6 hour days = 30 hours. Employees work 4 “longer” days e.g. 4 × 10 hour days = 40 hours.

Is a 4-day work week 32 or 40 hours?

Workers will contribute 32-35 hours per week across 4 days, and companies will monitor the overall effects on productivity, employee job satisfaction, stress, and burnout.

What is the best day to have off on a 4-day work week?

The Best Day To Take Off

It's actually Wednesday. There is a dramatic difference between the pace of life on the weekends and the workweek, which explains why we get the Monday blues. Sometimes a 24-hour mid-week break may be just what you need to combat stress and make your workweek feel more manageable.

Do mental health days help burnout?

A mental health day is a day meant to help reduce stress and burnout. It can provide a pause to come back with more energy, less stress and a renewed spirit.

Is it better to work 4 10s or 5 8s?

Each arrangement has its own advantages and drawbacks. 5 8s offer a traditional schedule, while 4 10s can provide longer weekends. 3 12s offer more consecutive days off but longer workdays. Consider what works best for your lifestyle and the demands of your job when making a decision.

What country works 4 days a week?

Iceland. Cold little Iceland – a country with just over 350,000 people living in it – actually has more workers working a four-day workweek than almost anywhere else in the world. After running one of the world's largest and longest trials into the four-day workweek between 2015 and 2019, it seems to have caught on.

What are the cons of working 4 10-hour days?

The Cons of a 4/10 Work Schedule

One of the main drawbacks of a 4/10 work schedule is the extended workday. Ten-hour workdays can be physically and mentally exhausting for some employees, potentially leading to burnout or decreased job satisfaction.

How does a four day work week affect mental health?

It Reduces Stress and Burnout

The primary mental health benefit of a 4-day work week is the reduction in continuous work pressure. The UK's Four-Day Week Pilot, a 2022 trial program involving 61 companies and around 2,900 employees, assessed the benefits of a 4-day work week.

Is it bad to tell your boss you need a mental health day?

Employers should understand that people need to take sick days, and there shouldn't be an issue about taking one. So if you're nervous about asking, we bet there is a good chance they will respond with something short and sweet. If you feel the need for a mental health day from work, know that you're deserving of one.

Should I quit my job if it is affecting my mental health?

Yes, mental health is a valid reason to quit your job. Prioritizing one's well-being is crucial for long-term success and happiness. If the work environment negatively impacts mental health, it's essential to consider other options such as seeking professional help or exploring alternative career paths.

Can you call in sick for burnout?

Mental health conditions: Think about whether your illness might be a mental health condition, such as burnout, anxiety or lethargy, which can sometimes cause physical symptoms. Sick leave policies: Consider your employer's sick and unpaid leave policies to determine if you have paid or unpaid days off for sick time.

What companies give everyone the day off when life gets stressful?

Overall, mental health days offer a number of benefits for both employees and employers. Companies like Voya Financial, Workiva, Axon, Habitat for Humanity, and Kubra have all implemented mental health days into their workplace culture with great success.

Is depression considered a disability?

Yes. People with depression are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a person with a disability as anyone who: Has a physical or mental health problem that “substantially limits” at least one major life activity — this could be working or taking care of yourself.

How do you tell your boss you're struggling mentally?

Rather than making it about how you "feel", focus on the impact your mental health is having on your work and productivity - and how you can work together to improve the situation. Remember, your employer will want to help you not least because it makes good business sense.

How do I ask for a mental health day off work?

How many hours a week is burnout?

The risk of occupational burnout increases greatly when employees exceed an average of 50 hours per week and escalates even more substantially at 60 hours per week. But how people experience their workload has a stronger influence on stress and burnout.