It’s been a month since I switched to a 4-day workweek, and let me tell you—I never thought I’d say this, but I’m starting to like Mondays. The first month was an adjustment, but now, I dare to say Mondays are my favorite day of the week, and here’s why.
Me time after the weekend
A few friends asked if I would get bored having only four days to work. Or if I would now work the hours for five days, just this time in 4 days. Even I was somewhat doubtful if I wouldn’t sneak out to my home office, open the computer, and start working on the things waiting to be done, but no. I admit that on the first Monday, I had that urge to work on my Steering Group material, but after diving into the pool in Mäkelänrinne, it was washed away in minutes.
The biggest perk of having Mondays off is the gift of extra me-time. That me-time that I didn’t know I needed nor know how to appreciate. Unlike weekends, which often feel crammed with social events, errands, and chores, I continue my weekend with my Mondays, which are entirely mine. I use them to reset, indulge in training, or relax. Whether it’s catching up on reading or with a friend, working out at my own pace, or binge-watching a show without guilt, Mondays have become mine.
A Head Start on the Week
Taking Monday off feels like I’m getting ahead of the week instead of playing catch-up. I can organize my thoughts, plan for the coming days, and tackle personal projects that would otherwise be pushed aside. By the time Tuesday rolls around, I feel more prepared and less rushed, which makes the rest of the workweek much smoother.
Less Stress, More Balance
Before the switch, I started thinking about the work already on Sunday evenings. It was nothing special. It was just enough knowing that the workweek was about to start again. However, I’ve noticed a significant change in my Sunday moods and habits. With Mondays off, I don’t feel pressured to wrap up my weekend activities and mentally prepare for work the next day. Instead, I ease into the week with a clear head and more energy. The work-life balance feels real for the first time in a long while.
Productivity and Creativity Boost
Switching to fewer workdays has noticeably improved my productivity. This isn’t just a personal experience—numerous studies worldwide highlight the same trend. I am more focused, creative, and efficient, with just four days to complete tasks. There’s no room for procrastination, and tasks are completed faster. This change has forced me to prioritize, teaching me to work smarter, not harder.
When you consider creativity, performance, and productivity, it seems irrational that, even in 2020, we still measure hours instead of focusing on outcomes or deliverables. This got me thinking, especially while reading an article titled “Tosiasioita Suomesta“ on the Suomen Lehdistö website. It struck me how boxed in our thinking can be.
Back to 60s and factory discipline
If you consider The Principles of Scientific Management, one of its core ideas is that closely monitoring work performance and using that data to improve methods is preferable to relying on tradition and old practices. As Piechota pointed out, “Now factory work principles are applied to areas where creative work is needed… Balance is necessary. Creative people need freedom. If we restrict their independence, creativity, and quality will suffer.”
Although I’m far from being a journalist or an artist, my work demands creativity in various aspects and at different levels. This is why I can’t help but highlight something for leadership researchers and those hiring leaders: I believe it’s time we embraced a management theory and practice that better suits the demands of this century. The current rigid oversight and measurement model feels increasingly outdated for the modern workplace, especially concerning creativity and innovation.
Okay, you see, my brains have enough time to process all sorts of stuff, but enough with nagging.
The Joy of Uncrowded Spaces
Mondays off also mean I can do things like run errands or visit places without battling crowds. Everything feels less chaotic, whether shopping, going to the swimming hall, or grabbing lunch with a friend. There’s something oddly satisfying about having these spaces almost to yourself when the rest of the world is at work.
Wrapping Up the First Month
My first month with a 4-day workweek has been nothing short of transformative. The extra day off has given me more than just time; it’s given me a renewed sense of balance. I’ve gone from dreading the week’s start to looking forward to Mondays.
So, will this continue in the long term? I don’t know, but what I know is that it’s hard to leave this behind and go back to the old way of working. The benefits so far have been undeniable, and I’m excited to see how this new work-life rhythm continues to shape my days.
