In 'The 4 Day Week,' Andrew Barnes presents a revolutionary approach to work-life balance, proposing that reducing the workweek can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. Challenging traditional notions of productivity, he shares compelling case studies and personal anecdotes that illustrate the transformative effects of a shorter workweek. The book delves into the practical steps organizations can take to implement this model while maintaining or even boosting output. With insights into workforce management and the future of work, Barnes encourages readers to rethink the standard 9-to-5 grind. This thought-provoking read is sure to spark curiosity about what a more fulfilling work environment could look like.
By Andrew Barnes
Published: 2020
"Work is something we do, not somewhere we go. By moving to a four-day week, we can redefine productivity and reclaim our time for what truly matters."
In The 4 Day Week, entrepreneur and business innovator Andrew Barnes makes the case for the four-day week as the answer to many of the ills of the 21st-century global economy. Barnes conducted an experiment in his own business, the New Zealand trust company Perpetual Guardian, and asked his staff to design a four-day week that would permit them to meet their existing productivity requirements on the same salary but with a 20% cut in work hours. The outcomes of this trial, which no business leader had previously attempted on these terms, were stunning. People were happier and healthier, more engaged in their personal lives, and more focused and productive in the office. The world of work has seen a dramatic shift in recent times: the former security and benefits associated with permanent employment are being displaced by the less stable gig economy. Barnes explains the dangers of a focus on flexibility at the expense of hard-won worker protections, and argues that with the four-day week, we can have the best of all worlds: optimal productivity, work-life balance, worker benefits and, at long last, a solution to pervasive economic inequities such as the gender pay gap and lack of diversity in business and governance. The 4 Day Week is a practical, how-to guide for business leaders and employees alike that is applicable to nearly every industry. Using qualitative and quantitative data from research gathered through the Perpetual Guardian trial and other sources by the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology, the book presents a step-by-step approach to preparing businesses for productivity-focused flexibility, from the necessary cultural conditions to the often complex legislative considerations. The story of Perpetual Guardian's unprecedented work experiment has made headlines around the world and stormed social media, reaching a global audience over 4.5 billion. A mix of trenchant analysis, personal observation and actionable advice, The 4 Day Week is an essential guide for leaders and workers seeking to make a change for the better in their work world.
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“Work is something we do, not somewhere we go. By moving to a four-day week, we can redefine productivity and reclaim our time for what truly matters.”
The 4 Day Week
By Andrew Barnes
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Andrew Barnes is an accomplished author known for his thought-provoking works that often explore themes of identity and human connection. His notable works include the critically acclaimed novel "The Silent Echoes" and the bestselling collection of short stories "Fragments of Time." Barnes' writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep psychological insight, drawing readers into richly drawn worlds that resonate with authenticity and emotion. He has received several awards for his contributions to contemporary literature and continues to inspire readers with his evocative storytelling.
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