Two-thirds of employees prefer flexibility over a 4-day work week

Employees fear that a shortened work week would lead to longer working hours.

When asked to choose between a four-day work week or flexible work, two-thirds (64%) of full-time employees in Singapore would rather have the latter, Qualtrics has found.

According to the Qualtrics survey, most employees (78%) fear that a shortened work week would mean longer working hours. Others also said customers will be frustrated (62%) and the company’s performance will suffer (55%) if operations are to be cut to four days.

Compared to a four-day work week, Singaporeans say a flexible working arrangement is better because it could mean having control of the hours they want to work (33%), having the ability to work from any location (26%), or being able to choose the days they work (19%).

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Whilst a shortened work week is less preferred by employees, 87% of them still said they are open to supporting their employers if they wish to implement such an arrangement since it would also benefit them.

Employees said a four-day work week could improve work-life balance (89%) and mental health (86%), would make them feel more loyal to their employer (87%), and increase productivity (86%). 

“Among the buzz surrounding new working models, employers must not lose sight of the fact that what employees want and have come accustomed to is the flexibility to adjust their work schedules to fit the demands of their lives,” said Lauren Huntington, employee experience solution strategist for Qualtrics-Southeast Asia.

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