Positive Outcome Allows Social Edge’s Four-Day Workweek Journey To Continue

Monica Fahrer

At Social Edge Consulting, we're always looking for innovative ways to enhance our work culture and improve the well-being of our team members without sacrificing our commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients. We embarked on an exciting journey this summer by piloting a four-day workweek. As the summer ends, we're thrilled to share our experiences and the path forward.

Maintained Customer Satisfaction

As we embarked on this new journey, our primary concern was ensuring that our service quality and commitment to our clients remained uncompromised. Despite the shift to four days, our dedication to our clients stood firm. 

Through planning, efficient time management, and the dedication of our team, we not only met but often exceeded the expectations we set for ourselves with regard to client satisfaction with deliverables and  commitments.. Every project, every deadline, and every customer interaction was handled with the same level of professionalism and excellence that Social Edge Consulting is known for. 

Positive Impact on Team Members

Even with the expectation that the program would be popular with our employees, the summer pilot was a success in this regard, as well. The feedback from our team has been positive, and the benefits have been palpable. The four-day workweek has proven to be a game-changer for our team from improved work-life balance to reduced burnout.

Looking Ahead: Extending the Pilot

Given the positive momentum from our summer pilot, and knowing we can maintain our high standard of customer care, we believe it would be beneficial to extend this initiative through a typically busier period. If the extended pilot continues to yield positive results through the end of the year, we intend to make the four-day workweek a permanent fixture at Social Edge.

The Broader Landscape: A Growing Trend

We're not alone in our enthusiasm for a shortened workweek. A recent ResumeBuilder survey found 81% of US business leaders favor a four-day workweek. 20% have already implemented it, and 41% are planning to do so, with half aiming to make the switch by the end of 2023.

Furthermore, in the past three years, at least six states, including CA, HI, MD, NY, PA, and WA, have considered bills to either mandate, incentivize, or allow the transition to a four-day week. We're on the brink of a significant shift in how we approach work, and Social Edge is proud to be at the forefront of this movement.

The Benefits We've Experienced

While we had high hopes for our pilot, the benefits we've experienced have exceeded our expectations:

  • Work-Life Balance: Our team has enjoyed a better balance between their professional and personal lives, reducing stress and eliminating the dreaded 'Sunday Scaries.'
  • Increased Productivity: Our team has shown greater focus with a compressed workweek, leading to enhanced productivity and no impact to client satisfaction with the quality of our work..
  • Enhanced Personal Growth: The extra day off has given our team members more time for personal pursuits, contributing to their overall personal growth.  
  • Feeling Valued: More than ever, the company appreciates and values our team members, leading to increased job satisfaction.

In conclusion, our journey with the four-day workweek has been transformative. As we look ahead, we're excited about the potential of making this a permanent feature at Social Edge. We believe that by prioritizing the well-being of our team, we're not only fostering a positive work culture but also driving our company toward greater success.