KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies across the U.S. and of all sizes had to adapt to new schedules for their workforce. Some moved to remote work, and others started implementing four-day work weeks.
A Knoxville marketing company said they noticed a positive change in employees' productivity and quality of life after making the change. So, they decided to make it permanent.
"I'm able to start getting out of work mode a lot sooner, and therefore can actually enjoy the weekend and get that full Saturday, most of Sunday, experience," said Hannah Lee, a co-founder of Second Mile Marketing. "So, that's been really beneficial. Well, as a business owner, for sure."
Around two years ago, her company began a trial run with a new schedule. During that new schedule, employees would work half of the day on Fridays. Eventually, she said that those half-days turned into whole days off.
"Getting that extra day to just have some downtime to process has really only fueled those four days where we are working," said Lee.
She said that after switching to a four-day workweek, productivity has increased and the company has managed to prevent burnout.
"Productivity is always increased when your workers feel supported, rested and their mental health is in a good state," said Julius Jefferies, a mental health counselor.
Second Mile Marketing fully established the four-day workweek in January and their founder said ever since then, revenue increased by 28% and employees feel better about going to work on Monday, after the weekend.