Contextual Background

Approximately seven years ago, I started my journey at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as a software engineer. Among the many perks, one stood out: "Summer Hours." This policy allowed employees to accumulate extra time during the week, enabling them to take half a day off weekly or a full day off every two weeks by working just 40 minutes longer each day. I typically chose Fridays for my time off, a preference shared by many of my colleagues.

The year 2020 brought about significant changes, particularly with travel restrictions. I found myself with not only my Summer Hours but also vacation days that I struggled to utilize. Then it hit me: What if I merged my Summer Hours with my vacation days? This approach allowed me to enjoy every Friday off throughout the summer for three months, a strategy I replicated in 2021.

In 2022, I transitioned to Prezi, a company that, while lacking a Summer Hours policy, offered unlimited personal time off. Many might assume this leads to overwork, but I found the opposite to be true.

Lessons from Three Years of Experimentation

I have been eager to share my insights from this journey, realizing that merely considering 2020 or 2021 wouldn't provide a complete picture. The previous arrangement at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt wouldn't accurately reflect a true four-day workweek, but applying this strategy at Prezi has given me a wealth of knowledge about the growing trend of condensed workweeks.

• Colleagues Are Supportive. Many worry about how taking a day off weekly will be perceived. Ultimately, it's nobody's business why you take time off. When communicated effectively, your absence can become part of the team's routine, potentially improving productivity as colleagues adjust their schedules accordingly.
• Valuing Time Off. The true worth of time off becomes apparent once you're back to a five-day schedule. Those Fridays were spent hiking at sunrise, writing numerous articles, drafting a novel, and engaging in various personal projects. This contrast highlighted the mental health benefits of having an additional day to recharge.
• Strategizing Time. Effective time management is essential. I began scheduling lunches and breaks in my calendar, helping me avoid distractions and procrastination. If a day at work feels unproductive, it's often a sign that time was squandered.
• Learning to Decline Requests. It’s common for others to offload tasks onto you. I used to say yes to every request, but I learned to set boundaries. Saying no can empower others to take initiative and helps me focus on my responsibilities.
• Prioritizing Life Over Work. We often hear the phrase "work to live, not live to work," yet few truly embody it. That extra day off each week reinvigorated my perspective on life, as if I reclaimed lost time and energy.
• Everything Functions Smoothly in Your Absence. Initially, I was anxious about how my absence might impact my team. However, I learned that my colleagues managed perfectly well without me, and projects continued to progress smoothly.
• Skeptics May Just Need Experience. Many who doubt the feasibility of a four-day workweek may simply lack experience with it. I encourage trying it before dismissing the concept.

Acknowledging Individual Differences

While my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, it's essential to recognize that not everyone will thrive under the same conditions. I tend to streamline processes to maximize efficiency, but others may require more time to adapt or may not find the same benefits.

The key takeaway from my exploration of a four-day workweek is that mandating it won't work for everyone. It should be a choice left to the individual.

Some may find that a four-day schedule adds pressure rather than alleviating it, leading to burnout. If a five-day workweek is less stressful for you, then that may be the better option.

I envision the next evolution in work-life balance as a dynamic workweek, allowing employees to choose what suits them best.

Note: This discussion primarily pertains to office-based roles. I hope to see dynamic workweeks implemented across various sectors.

Hello!

Recently, I've launched a new publication titled Bricks n’ Brackets, focused on LEGO, technology, and coding. If these topics interest you, I would greatly appreciate your follow. You can also learn more about my vision for the publication and even join as a writer if you'd like to contribute articles. We also have an active presence on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Thank you, and may inspiration and success accompany you!

Attila Vago — Software Engineer committed to enhancing the world through coding. A lifelong nerd, passionate about web accessibility, LEGO, and vinyl records. Enjoys craft beer! [Read my introduction here!](#) Subscribe and/or [become a member](#) for more insights on LEGO, tech, coding, and accessibility!