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The Subtle Art of Effecting a Four-day Workweek to Drive Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Debarun Chakraborty
  • Shakti Bodh Bhatnagar
  • Wendrila Biswas
  • Ganesh Dash

Abstract

Organizations have long been experimenting with shortened workweeks. This study investigates the finer points that can make a four-day workweek efficacious. Though studies have revealed that the four-day workweek delivers well on productivity goals, extant literature has not yet examined the details of how to bring about a transformational change in employee performance as a result of the change. The current study empirically explores different nuanced factors that can translate a strategic vision into an achievable tactical plan, one that hones the skills and learning of employees. The present study takes into consideration psychological well-being as a possible moderator. A sample of 604 employees was taken from the service and manufacturing companies in India. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) has been used to analyse the inter relationships among the variables. The findings revealed that the following factors had a significant effect on the performance of employees practising the four-day workweek: ‘strategic planning at work’, ‘viewing the company as a brand’, ‘continually connecting’ and ‘inspiring happiness at work’. The various implications of this study are discussed in depth in light of these findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Debarun Chakraborty & Shakti Bodh Bhatnagar & Wendrila Biswas & Ganesh Dash, 2022. "The Subtle Art of Effecting a Four-day Workweek to Drive Performance," Management and Labour Studies, XLRI Jamshedpur, School of Business Management & Human Resources, vol. 47(3), pages 275-297, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:manlab:v:47:y:2022:i:3:p:275-297
    DOI: 10.1177/0258042X221082893
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mariya Firoz & Koustab Ghosh & Dheeraj Sharma, 2026. "From Games to Gains: A Systematic Literature Review on Play at Work," Management and Labour Studies, XLRI Jamshedpur, School of Business Management & Human Resources, vol. 51(1), pages 89-115, February.
    3. Minh-Tri Ha & Giang-Do Nguyen & Bao-Son Doan, 2023. "Understanding the mediating effect of switching costs on service value, quality, satisfaction, and loyalty," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-14, December.

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