A rising physique of proof means that reduced-hour work schedules for a similar degree of pay usually are not solely possible in relation to sustaining outcomes but in addition doubtlessly advantageous in relation to worker wellbeing and retention. These initiatives solely work if firms undertake substantial work redesign to scale back hours whereas sustaining enterprise outcomes. This implies streamlining operations, eradicating administrative burdens, and prioritizing high-impact work. One other main problem is guaranteeing workers settle for that you simply’re asking them to supply the identical quantity in fewer hours.
Popping out of the pandemic, the dialog about versatile work has largely centered on whether or not workers ought to return to the workplace — and the way usually. A 3rd of U.S. staff who can do their jobs remotely now do so all the time. LinkedIn research exhibits that in Could 2023, practically one in 9 U.S. job postings supplied distant work, 13% of postings have been hybrid, and 66% of functions have been for distant and hybrid roles. A CEO instructed me that by placing the phrase “distant or hybrid” into the job description, the variety of job candidates tripled.