PEAKLIFE

The results are here – Microsoft Japan shortening the workweek has gained a 40% increase in productivity, more efficiency in work and happier employees.

Nowhere more than Japan the weight of outstretched working hours is felt. According to a report in 2016, almost a quarter of all Japanese companies required employees to work more than 80 hours of overtime, and that’s just in a month!

Striving to combat this overwork culture, Microsoft Japan in August last year undertook an experiment “Work Life Choice Challenge” wherein 2,300 of its employees were given three-day weekends for five weeks straight. The aim was to increase their efficiency and return to work refreshed on Monday. The experiment also included self-development and family wellness schemes. 

After collecting and analyzing stacks of data, Microsoft has finally announced the results have been highly positive from shortening the workweek.

Here’s a mini breakdown of the outcome:

• Measured by sales per employee, productivity has increased by 39.9% from August 2018 to August 2019.
• 58.7% fewer pages were printed.
• 23.1% electricity was utilized, and
• a huge majority of 98.1% employees were satisfied with the 4-day workweek regime.

For a country dealing with excessive work load and working hours, the reduction was a decision well made for both the employees and the company.  

Microsoft Japan is already planning to bring back the three-day working routine this winter, now focusing on encouraging greater work flexibility.