How industry can unlock potential of a four-day-week

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a massive transformation in our approach to work, with terms such as `flexible working' and `work-life balance' rising to prominence in our general lexicon. The industry is facing skills and labour gaps, all while trying to improve productivity and redress supply-chain issues, meaning a reduction in working hours may currently seem impossible. In fact, by embracing automation, manufacturers may well find more solutions to their problems than expected, while supporting their employees along the way and even unlocking the possibility of the four-day week. Automating menial factory tasks will let employees dedicate their time to more stimulating and fulfilling roles. In theory, this would reduce time spent at work and even get rid of the night shift, which is known to have adverse effects on employees' health. In turn, this could allow for more flexible work patterns and even the possibility of a four-day week, with productivity shortfalls offset by automation.