Sheffield residents share thoughts on if a four day working week is a good idea

Good Friday on 3 April marked the first Bank Holiday since New Year’s Day, leading to a short work-week of four days as opposed to the traditional five.

Easter Monday just three days later meant that people were treated to a rare four day weekend and more of a balance between work and leisure which people rarely get throughout the calendar year.

Many find the time off as a welcome break from the strain of constantly working, and find it a useful way to recharge their batteries and avoid burnout.

But what if this was the case more often?

Many companies in recent years have already trialled the four-day working week and discovered that many people are just as productive working longer hours in exchange for having more time off. However, others have argued that the idea simply wouldn’t work for their role.

With that in mind, we asked the good folk of Sheffield if they feel the working week should be shortened for a better work life balance.

Antony Hawkins said: “It’s been repeatedly proven that people are more productive across those 4 days than across 5, so, the business doesn’t suffer anything and workers are happier. So… yes.”

This view was echoed by Kris Eaton, who said: “Should be five day weeks compressed into 4 for the chance to recharge and higher productivity as well as the commute side of things in cost and for the environment.”

Chris Field also shared the view that more companies should consider the approach as long as employees can prove they are just as efficient at their job.

He said: “Many people, myself included, will end up working the same number of hours, so I don't see why not. It boils down to trust and whether employers focus on getting the work done versus spending an arbitrary number of hours in front of a screen.”

Wendy McKenna argued that this wouldn’t really apply to people working in retail and hospitality as the demand on them would increase. She said: “It’s ok for some jobs (maybe) but what about retail and hospitality. With more time off for leisure activities these would be working more.”

David Wood also argues that the system is fine as it is, adding: “No, it’s fine as it is. Unfortunately people still need care.”

A view shared by Angela Hill, who claimed the current working routine is good for people’s mental health: “No work hard it’s good for your mental health too much time on your hands is not good for you.”

Amanda Jayne Cresswell explained that the system would only work for some people. She said: “Wont work for us self-employed will it.”

However, Nikki Smallshaw claimed the time off would help most people: “Yes we spend more time at work than we do at home.”

Adam Watts also sees the benefits of this type of work pattern. He said: “I work 4 days mon-thur 9.25hr shifts and it’s glorious.”

Dawn Marshall said: "Absolutely 100%,” when commenting on whether we should have a shorter working week.

A view shared by Debra Briggs, who also said: “Absolutely.”

Pamela Diana Draycott said: “A compressed week works well for some individuals and businesses.”

• RELATED: Pride of Yorkshire trail raises £575,000 for Children's Hospital
• RELATED: Sheffielders have their say on staff pay to park at city's hospitals
• RELATED: Sheffield NHS pay £1.2 MILLION just to park at hospitals for work
• RELATED: "Sickfluencer" calls for welfare system reform following government report