Doing More in Less Time

For John, BLUF:  There is probably a lot we don't know about high functioning organizations.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Microsoft experimented with a 4-day workweek, and productivity jumped by 40%

From Insider, by Ms Lisa Eadicicco, 4 November 2019.

Here is the lede plus one:

An experiment that involved reducing the workweek by one day led to a 40% boost in productivity in a Microsoft subsidiary in Japan, the technology giant announced last week.

The trial was part of Microsoft's "Work-Life Choice Challenge," a summer project that examined work-life balance and aimed to help boost creativity and productivity by giving employees more flexible working hours.

Microsoft Japan closed its offices every Friday in August and found that labor productivity increased by 39.9% compared with August 2018, the company said.  Full-time employees were given paid leave during the closures.

The company said it also reduced the time spent in meetings by implementing a 30-minute limit and encouraging remote communication.

Microsoft isn't the first to highlight the productivity benefits of a four-day workweek. Andrew Barnes, the founder of a New Zealand estate-planning firm, Perpetual Garden, said he conducted a similar experiment and found that it benefited both employees and the company, according to CNBC.  It has adopted the four-day workweek permanently.

If this pans out it could result in increased production, and a better standard of living for all.

Of course it could be mostly due to the Hawthorne Effect.

Hat tip to the Drudge Report.

Regards  —  Cliff