The 4 day Work Week in Healthcare (2024)

The healthcare sector is facing significant burnout, with an alarming 76.8% of medical providers experiencing severe fatigue and stress. The traditional 5-day work week has left many healthcare professionals struggling with chronic fatigue, decreased productivity, and reduced job satisfaction.

To address these challenges, a growing movement is advocating for a shift to a 4-day work week in healthcare. However, how feasible is this model in the critical healthcare industry, and what are the potential impacts of such a transition?

This article will explore the benefits, challenges, and real-world examples of implementing a 4-day work week in healthcare.

Overview

In the healthcare sector, implementing a four-day workweek requires specific adaptations to ensure 24/7 availability. This involves innovative scheduling and leveraging technology to maintain continuous patient care.

FNV, the Netherlands' most prominent trade union, recently polled over 3,355 hospital staff regarding a 4-day workweek and its potential impact on healthcare.

The survey results showed that:

• 82% of hospital staff believe that a shorter workweek positively attracts and retains colleagues.
• 93% of respondents expect a positive or very positive impact on job satisfaction with a shorter workweek.
• Less than 20% foresee a negative impact on care quality, while 81% anticipate positive or neutral effects.

Most survey respondents said that technology can optimize tasks and work processes, and better coordination between departments can eliminate unnecessary tasks such as (double) administration, filling carts, excessive meetings, and sign-off lists.

Furthermore, the report indicates that while the exact costs and benefits of a shorter full-time workweek are hard to predict, an analysis of current data suggests significant savings.

The estimated annual savings for hospitals (excluding UMCs) are 23.3 million euros despite additional staffing costs of 163.3 million euros. Reduced absenteeism from lower work pressure could lead to total annual savings of 186.5 million euros.

Moreover, several healthcare facilities have adopted a four-day workweek or similar flexible scheduling models.

Notable examples include:

1. Wellpath Care
2. Trinity Health
3. AbleTo
4. Providence Health & Service
5. Bielefeld Clinical Centre
6. AdventHealth
7. Sanford Health
8. Magellan Health Services
9. Rula Health

Typical Working Schedules

In conventional healthcare, employees typically adhere to a standard five-day workweek. However, this framework often exceeds the 40-hour expectation due to the inherent patidemands of entire care; for instance, shifts can routinely reach 12 hours or even more in hospitals and emergency settings. This approach ensures the availability of the staff to handle emergencies and provide ongoing care, regardless of the hour or day.

Additionally, the traditional scheduling model in healthcare also includes rotating night shifts and weekend duties. This rotation is crucial to maintaining uninterrupted care for patients round-the-clock.

Benefits of a 4-Day Work Week for Healthcare Providers

Implementing a 4-day work week in the healthcare industry offers numerous benefits for providers and patients.

Some key advantages are:

• Increased job satisfaction: The reduction in weekly working days without a corresponding decrease in pay significantly boosts job satisfaction among healthcare professionals. As a result, healthcare facilities experience lower turnover rates and retain experienced staff, which is crucial for maintaining high standards of care.
• Improved work-life balance: Healthcare professionals often face high stress due to long shifts and emotionally demanding work. A compressed work week can give these workers more time to rest, refresh, and attend to personal matters, leading to a better work-life balance.
• Enhanced patient care quality: Healthcare providers are less prone to burnout and fatigue, which improves the quality of care they provide. Well-rested and satisfied healthcare workers are likelier to have better patient interactions, make fewer errors, and provide higher-quality care.
• Attract employees: Around 66% of employees find a shorter work week as a decisive factor when considering new job opportunities. By implementing a 4-day work week, healthcare facilities can become more attractive to top-tier talent, setting themselves apart in a competitive job market.

Challenges of Implementing a 4-Day Week in the Medical Sector

Implementing a four-day workweek in the healthcare sector could present a unique set of challenges, including:

1. Continuity of Care

Healthcare relies heavily on the continuity of care, which can be disrupted by shorter work weeks. Patients require consistent monitoring and treatments that may not align with reduced working days.

However, this can be managed by implementing overlapping shifts and staggered schedules to ensure continuous patient care.

2. Staffing Shortages

Many healthcare facilities already face staff shortages. A four-day workweek could exacerbate this issue unless additional staff are hired.

Addressing this may involve hiring additional part-time or flexible staff to cover the reduced hours, ensuring complete coverage without overburdening current employees.

3. Public Perception

Patients expect constant availability of healthcare services. Any perceived reduction in availability could affect patient satisfaction. This can be mitigated by maintaining clear communication with patients about availability and ensuring that emergency and essential services remain accessible.

4. Regulatory and Compliance Issues

Many healthcare facilities operate under strict regulatory standards that mandate minimum staffing levels and continuous patient care. Adapting these regulations to a shorter workweek can be complex.

However, it can be tackled by working with regulatory bodies to develop flexible compliance models that accommodate new work schedules while maintaining high standards of care.

Case Studies of Successful Implementation of 4 Day Workweek in Healthcare

Now, let’s have a look at a few successful transitions to 4 day week in the healthcare industry:

1. 4C Health

4C Health, a nonprofit healthcare organization established in 1975, specializes in delivering behavioural mental health, crisis, primary care, and recovery services. It adopted a 4-day workweek (4DW) in 2022, primarily to address the burnout observed among healthcare providers.

Results:

The introduction of the 4-day workweek at 4C Health led to remarkable results, such as:

• Employee wellness and retention: The implementation of the 4DW resulted in significant improvements in staff wellness, with a 75% reduction in stress and burnout reported. Furthermore, 89% of the staff desired to continue with the 4DW model.
• Quality of care: The quality of care remained high, with a patient care experience rated at 4.2 stars. About 73% of the staff reported that the 4DW enabled them to provide better care.

Operational impact:** The shift to a 4DW did not negatively affect the organisation's financial aspects or access to healthcare services.

2. Northwell Health

Northwell Health, based in New Hyde Park, New York, has explored the four-day workweek concept, focusing on flexibility and adaptability in work arrangements.

Moreover, the organization also offers flexible work arrangements where possible, including "summer" or "lighter" Fridays with limited meetings on Friday afternoons, alternating weekly hours, hybrid and remote models, and staggered shifts.

Another option under consideration is a four-day workweek with shifts of 9.5-10.5 hours, depending on the role, instead of the traditional five days at 7.5 hours per day. Some of Northwell's clinical and administrative operations currently use a four-day workweek or a shortened week.

Results:

Here are a few results noticed after the implementation of 4 day week at Northwell Health:

• Employee flexibility: Employees can balance on-site and off-site work, creating a personalized approach to scheduling.
• Retention and engagement: The flexible scheduling model has significantly reduced turnover and increased employee engagement.

Operational efficiency:** The flexible models have allowed the health system to maintain high care standards without needing a conventional four-day workweek.

3. Fürth Hospital

In November 2023, Fürth Clinic launched a 6-month pilot project testing the four-day work week in the operating room. The new model allowed staff to work 9.5-10.5 hours over four days, providing three 3 consecutive days off. This innovative approach was implemented to enhance work-life balance for the staff and improve patient care quality and safety.

Developed with input from the staff council and management, the initiative ensured compliance with labour laws. It offered staff the choice between the new four-day model and the traditional five-day week.

Results:

• Improved work-life balance: The transition to a four-day work week has allowed staff members to enjoy three consecutive days off, significantly improving their work-life balance​.
• Enhanced patient care: Early indications suggest that the new work schedule has potential benefits for patient care quality. The streamlined operations during the four workdays aim to maintain or even improve the level of care provided​.
• Positive staff feedback: Initial feedback from the staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the extra day off, which allows for better rest and personal time management.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, implementing a four-day workweek in healthcare can significantly enhance staff well-being while maintaining high standards of patient care. Healthcare institutions can create a more sustainable and supportive work environment by embracing a shorter workweek and advanced technology.

If you’re seeking a role that values your work-life balance and overall well-being, visit our job board. Here, you can discover a variety of positions at forward-thinking companies that offer flexible work schedules.