Are your bosses keen to implement a 4-day work week? Nearly 8 in 10 S'pore employers say no

According to a survey, in Singapores workplaces and companies are largely opposed to the idea of switching to a four day work week.

5% of the 330 employers surveyed expressed willingness to implement a four day workweek on the grounds that it could enhance employee well being and job satisfaction.

80% of the respondents indicated that they were not, in favor of adopting a four day work week; however 16% expressed openness, to the idea.

"A spokesperson, for the Singapore National Employers Federation ( SNE F) mentioned that a few employers from sectors, like information and communications technology general services and finance have expressed their intention to implement the survey " as reported by the organization that conducted the research.

The Federation proposed a work week where employees work eight or nine hours a day for four days. Totaling, up to 36 hours per week. While still being paid the same as they would for a five day work week that typically involves working up, to 44 hours.

A study conducted by SNEP follows a survey of 100 companies, in Singapore by recruitment agency Robert Walters revealing that close to 70% of employers, in Singapore believe that the idea of a four day work week is viable.

A representative, from SNEF mentioned that their study represented a range of employees in industries such as retailing real estate and construction services professional services food and beverage general manufacturing electronics as well, as transport and logistics.

The spokesperson mentioned that out of 330 employers surveyed 78 percent came from manufacturing industries and 22 percent, from manufacturing sectors.

Some employers who were hesitant, about adopting a four day work week mentioned worries about how it would affect their day, to day operations and whether it would fit well with their business requirements those running the clock operations.

Other factors involved the challenge of boosting productivity to compensate for decreased capacity and the increased expenses, from hiring staff to fill the vacancies.

"The findings mirror the challenges that numerous employers encounter in the scenario of a job market and a fiercely competitive business landscape " noted Sim Gim Guan, the executive director of SNEF.

"While some employers support the idea of a four day work week our research suggests that many find it difficult to adopt due, to financial constraints."

Ms Karen Lowe of 4 Day Week Globals communications and marketing department mentioned to The Straits Times that they are looking for a partner, in Singapore to test out a four day work week.

Ms Lowe mentioned that they have not yet found a country partner and highlighted her involvement, in introducing a four day work week in South Africa in the past.

"Established in 2019 " the organization ̶F̶o̶u̶r̶D̶a̶yWeekGlobal has conducted trial initiatives, in locations including the US, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Grayling is a known public relations company, with a presence in Singapore that recently introduced a shortened workweek experiment for its employees in Singapore starting in August 2023. Allowing staff members who have been with the company for, over a year to enjoy Friday afternoons off as part of the initiative.