Pursuing What You Want, Even if it Means Sacrificing Salary: A Perspective for Working Professionals.

Finding a balance between work and personal life is one of the crucial challenges in today's society. According to a recent survey by WantedLab, more than half of working professionals express a desire for a 4-day workweek, even if it means accepting a reduction in their salary. In this article, we will delve into the survey results, its context, and the advantages and disadvantages of a 4-day workweek.

 

This shift, aimed at prioritizing the work-life balance and happiness of working professionals, could be a positive development for a better future.

 

The Preferences of Working Professionals: Embracing the 4-Day Workweek On September 13, 2023, HR tech company WantedLab released its report titled "Report Day: Working Time Edition." According to this report, a survey conducted with over 1,700 respondents revealed that 51.4% of them prefer a 4-day workweek, even if it means a salary reduction.

 

To support these preferences, when asked about the extent of salary reduction they would be willing to tolerate, 73.4% of respondents answered "less than 5%." Subsequently, 21.5% were open to a reduction between 5% and less than 10%, 3.2% were willing to accept a reduction between 10% and less than 15%, and 1.9% were open to reductions exceeding 15%. These statistics emphasize the significance of the 4-day workweek.

 

#1. Advantages of the 4-Day Workweek

#1-1. Improved Work-Life Balance

A 4-day workweek provides an opportunity to maintain a better balance between one's professional and personal life. With an extra day in the week, individuals can spend more time with family, engage in hobbies, and enjoy some much-needed rest.

 

#1-2. Enhanced Productivity

Having a longer rest period during the week can result in employees having more energy and motivation. This can lead to increased work efficiency and creativity, ultimately improving job quality.

 

#1-3. Benefits for Physical and Mental Health

Extended working hours and stress can negatively impact the health of working professionals. A 4-day workweek, with more time for rest each week, can help reduce stress and maintain better physical and mental health.

#2. Disadvantages of the 4-Day Workweek

#2-1. Salary Reduction

Transitioning to a 4-day workweek can lead to a decrease in annual working days, which in turn may result in a lower salary. However, considering that many working professionals are willing to accept this trade-off, it may not be a significant concern.

 

#2-2. Increased Workload

With a 4-day workweek, individuals may need to concentrate more on their work during the days they are in the office. This could potentially increase their workload and job-related stress.

 

The Future of the 4-Day Workweek Based on these survey results, the likelihood of more companies and working professionals embracing the 4-day workweek appears to be growing. In the future, the 4-day workweek is expected to become a more common working arrangement.

 

This shift, aimed at prioritizing the work-life balance and happiness of working professionals, could be a positive development for a better future. Perhaps, even with a reduction in salary, the 4-day workweek may offer working professionals a path to a better life.