As many businesses adopt shorter work weeks and experiment with four-day workweek trials, many employees are taking the initiative to request a shorter work week.
According to a Qualtrics survey, 92% of US workers prefer the idea of a 4-day workweek over the current 5-day standard. But how can you make this request, and what’s involved in creating and submitting a letter to ask for a four-day workweek?
Join us at 4 Day Week to connect with employers and workers interested in shorter workweeks. Learn how to request a 4-day workweek in this guide.
A 4-day work week can be structured as the usual 40 hours (4 days x 10 hours), 32 hours (4 days x 8 hours), or any other variation of a four-day work schedule.
Regardless of the arrangement, we understand why so many of you love the idea of an extra day off (more benefits to come).
In this context, a 4-day workweek request letter is a formal document seeking permission for a shorter workweek. Crafted with politeness and clarity, it should include all relevant information to support your request.
4th September 2023
Dear Mr/Ms. Reader,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my strong interest in participating in a trial of the 4 days x 8 hours weekly work schedule.
As you know, the four-day workweek concept has been gaining popularity nationwide, with numerous reported benefits for employers and employees, including increased productivity, higher employee morale, and more positive team culture.
I kindly request the opportunity to work under this schedule on a trial basis. During this period, I am committed to maintaining and increasing my productivity as a loyal and conscientious [business name] employee.
If the trial is flourishing and you find the results satisfactory, I would like to request to continue this schedule on an ongoing basis.
I genuinely believe that a 4-day work week would create an optimal work scenario for me to flourish and make a significant contribution to the success of our company.
Thank you for your time,
The idea of a four-day workweek is popular for many reasons.
Let’s explore compelling reasons why a shortened work week is essential in today’s fast-paced world.
With the go-go nature of the modern world, many people feel they don’t have a sufficient work-life balance.
, according to Zippia, 89% of workers have experienced burnout in the last year.
A four-day workweek can help alleviate this by allowing workers an extra day off. This can mean more time:
When considering a shorter work week, be sure to think about what a healthy work-life balance looks like to you and find answers to any questions you might have.
A four-day workweek has a positive impact on overall health. It is linked to various health benefits, including:
A four-day workweek can lead to lower costs for both employers and employees. From a company perspective, implementing a four-day workweek can result in a reduction of variable overhead costs by approximately 20%.
Additionally, employees can also enjoy financial benefits with the extra day off. For example, commuting four days instead of five can lead to a 20% reduction in transport costs.
Moreover, you may save on additional expenses like lunch and hot drinks, especially those purchased near your workplace.
Writing a well-crafted letter is important for success when requesting a four-day workweek. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the process:
Picking the right timing is crucial for increasing the chances of a successful request. Avoid submitting the letter during busy times for your company. Instead, aim for a slower business period and a time when your boss is in a good mood.
Moving on to the next step, it’s essential to develop a well-written proposal that communicates how you will maintain or improve your productivity, ensuring that you can complete your weekly tasks before their due dates.
This is critical as it instills confidence in management that approving your request is also in their interest.
In this stage, consider researching successful cases of companies transitioning from a forty-hour work week to a shorter one (if applicable). This knowledge can further strengthen your proposal writing abilities and provide valuable insights.
Be sure to address your manager directly instead of HR or the management team. Begin your letter positively and appreciative, such as “I hope this message finds you well” or “Thank you for reviewing my request.
Communicate to your boss why a four-day workweek is essential and how it can benefit you and the company.
Begin with a statement like “There are numerous benefits for employees and employers alike” before outlining the advantages. Presenting it as a win-win situation highlights the mutual benefits of the arrangement.
Use a factual approach, including relevant statistics, or keep the explanation concise. Consider providing a link to a reliable source that conveys the advantages of a four-day workweek for employers and employees.
It’s also important to communicate your idea of a shortened workweek. Clearly explain what aspects will remain unchanged and what will change if your request is approved.
For employees seeking a personal four-day work week, this may be self-explanatory or require little explanation.
However, if you’re requesting a four-day workweek for a team, provide detailed clarification. Explain how you expect the proposed changes to impact specific company metrics and expenses, offering tangible examples of the benefits they can bring.
If management approves a four-day workweek trial, ensure all necessary plans are in place.
Here’s what’s needed to start an individual four-day workweek trial:
Here are just some of the key requirements to run a four day work week trial:
The findings from the trial will serve as a compelling case to management for adopting a four-day workweek. If the administration rejects the proposal despite positive outcomes, consider revisiting the proposal at a later, more suitable time.
A thoughtfully written letter can catalyze a positive change that benefits both employees and employers alike.
By effectively highlighting the advantages of a shortened workweek, such as enhanced work-life balance, improved productivity, and reduced stress, employees can present a compelling case to management.
We wish you success in your current job. However, if your request is unsuccessful and you choose to explore new opportunities, remember that our website offers a wide range of four-day week jobs available worldwide.
This article was originally posted on 4 day week — jobs with a four day workweek. Get a job with a better work-life balance.