The 4 Day Work Week

Can the 4 day work week boost productivity and enhance work/life balance?

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, finding a balance between work and personal life can be challenging. However, adopting a system that divides your working week into specific sections is an exciting proposition to take you to the next level.

The 4 day work week is a business production system I stumbled on maybe 40 years ago. Yes, yes, I know it’s all the talk now, but I used it 40 years ago. Maybe I was ahead of my time.

You have probably heard the noise about adopting the 4-day workweek. This is more attuned to the big corporates getting the staff back into the office post-pandemic. My 4 day work week has nothing to do with business conglomerates and everything to do with starting your own business and being successful

In the business news, you have probably heard the noise about adopting the 4 day work week. This is more attuned to the big corporates getting the staff back into the office post-pandemic. It makes sense and in reality; it does increase productivity and has a tendency to increase staff morale.

My 4 day work week has nothing to do with business conglomerates and everything to do with starting your own business and being successful.

I remember recommending the 4 day work week to anyone who’d listen. Some took it up most didn’t.

Here’s the deal. It is simply dividing your weekdays into specific days. I labelled them, Op Days, Admin Days, and Me Days.

This system unlocks the potential for increased productivity, improved work-life balance, and overall well-being in one small adjustment to your working week. Brilliant. 

The 4 day work week system a new perspective

This article explains the 4 day work week system and offers a new perspective on dividing your work week, particularly for new business owners.

I will explain the advantages and disadvantages, and share a captivating story of transformation that demonstrates the profound impact of implementing this system. 

Prepare to be inspired and motivated to take action towards a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.

Understanding the 4 day work week

The 4-day work week is a time management system. Divide your week into three distinct sections: Admin Days, Op Days, and Me Days. See your production grow.

The 4 day work week is a time management system that divides your week into three distinct sections: Admin Days, Op Days, and Me Days. 

Each section serves a unique purpose and allows you to allocate specific tasks and activities accordingly.

The Power of 'Admin Days'

Admin Days are exactly what it says. This is the head down, bum up, grunt work to analyse your systems and processes, edit your business goals, attend meetings with stakeholders, stock take the inventory and so on. Put simply, it’s doing the administration tasks needed to drive your business. This you have read before. This is the working ‘on your business’ part. It is where you want to be at the end of the day. 

You need to do whatever it is your business does to make a profit.

These are the days of the week you dedicate to getting things done. 

Delegation and a follow-up system are the key here. Now it is not going to change much on the first try. Keep at it and you will soon learn how valuable these days are. Trust me. These days might only be one day a week in the early part of your business career. Eventually, this will be where you will spend the best part of your time. This is the goal to work on your business not in your business. There is an enormous difference.

Admin days’ may not seem like high-value, revenue-generating activities, but these days are marked by intense focus, that requires your undivided attention.

These ‘admin days’ may not seem like high-value, revenue-generating activities directly contributing to your business growth. Not directly, but these days are marked by intense focus, deep dive work, and immersion in tasks that require your undivided attention. It makes a difference.

By eliminating distractions and prioritizing essential tasks, you can achieve significant progress, overcome challenges, and propel your business forward.

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The Importance of 'Admin Days'

Admin Days are devoted to tasks that are necessary for the smooth operation of your business but may not directly generate revenue. These tasks will include staff meetings, training, employment issues, and organizing the business flow charts and the aforesaid. It might not seem important, but if you dedicate time to this every week, then the business will stay on track. Any deviation from the workflow will be identified instantly. This requires good communication with your whole team. This is as important as every other day.

Allocating specific days for this activity ensures you are not neglecting anything. The result is allowing you to maintain efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.

The “Op” day and how to use it

"Op day" is the day you go and make the money. The day your sole focus is on finding leads, making appointments, presenting your product and closing the sale.

The “Op” day simply put is the operational day. It is the day you go and make the money. The day your sole focus is on finding leads, making appointments, presenting your product and closing the sale. Remember, nothing happens until a sale is made. So it is encumbered on you in the early day at least to make things happen. Get out of the office or the warehouse or wherever you are and go put some food on the table.

In the early days, this is at least 2 days of the week. If I’m honest and drawing on my experience, this often meant 12 -15 hours a day of go go go.

As the business develops, these hours will become less. Depending on the type of business, these days can be scaled by training sales teams. The training is done in the Admin days. 

By now, you are getting the idea. Dedicated days to do dedicated tasks. Get it right and the world is your oyster. Get it wrong and it is a hard slog. You will be like a dog chasing its tail. What you need to do is to go from working in your business to working on your business. That is the goal, ‘work on your business not in your business’. This should be your primary goal. Know every aspect, every quirky thing, about your business. There will never be a moment in time where anyone can say, “you haven’t been there and done it yourself”. You are the architect, designer, director, producer etc of your business. This is your dream, your baby. Make it fly.

The Bliss of 'Me Days'

Do not call me. I will see you Thursday. Tomorrow is my 'me day'.

“Me” days are sacred. “Me” days are essential for your well-being and overall work-life balance. “Me” days are as important in the 4 day work week as ‘admin days’ and ‘op days’. They are dedicated entirely to personal time, relaxation, and rejuvenation. By disconnecting from work-related responsibilities, you allow yourself to recharge, pursue hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and nurture your physical and mental well-being. This is the fifth day. Assuming your business is a 5-day-a-week organization. This free day is your ‘me day.’ The day you take off creating the 4 day work week.

“Me” days replenish your energy, increase creativity, and prevent burnout, ultimately contributing to your long-term success. “Me” days are just as important as an ‘admin day’ and an ‘op day’.

Where you allocate this day is up to you. I will only suggest you do a “Me” day in the middle of the week. The hump day. There are several reasons for this. Before I list them, it is important to say where ever you take the “Me” day - do not make it a Friday. The obvious choice is a Friday and which makes every weekend a long weekend. Do not do it. Monday is the next non-preferred day. I think you can work it out. The best “Me” day in my experience was Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

I shared an office with a guy for almost 15 years. The first week of every year he would cross out every Wednesday in his A4 paper diary (no digital diaries in those days). His PA knew never to make appointments on a Wednesday. Yes, there were times he had to attend to an important client or admin issue, but they were rare. Maybe 2 or 3 times a year. He played golf on his “Me” day.

I read an interesting article as I was writing this about Warren Buffett and his take on the very thing. Here is the link to read at your leisure.

Ok, it’s story time. So here you go.

This is the story about Sylvi, a young entrepreneur I had the pleasure of mentoring in her early days. She was completely overwhelmed by the demands of her business and struggling to find a balance in her life. Sylvi constantly felt burnt out and dissatisfied when she was referred to me. After a brief consultation, I introduced her to the 4 day work week. 

With diligence and discipline, she structured her week, dedicating specific days to op days, admin days, and me days. 

The impact was astonishing.

Sylvi’s op days became a catalyst for growth, as she tackled crucial projects, secured new clients, and saw her revenue soar. Admin days allowed her to streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance overall efficiency and hire a salesperson to train. Finally, her ‘me days’ offered her a newfound sense of joy and fulfilment. Sylvi’s transformation was remarkable. She got her mojo back. Became more energized and enthusiastic about her future. 

She achieved more in less time while maintaining a healthier work-life balance. Sylvi’s business went from mediocre to outstanding. So much so, her goal of selling the business in a 15 year time frame was reduced to just over half. Eight years after taking on the 4 day work week, an offer came from an unexpected source. She always had the thought an opposition player in her field would take her out, but the offer came from one of her oldest full-time employees. She was made an offer she could not refuse. The dream had come true. It didn’t manifest itself exactly how she imagined it, but the goal was achieved. Great story.

The Role of an Experienced Mentor

To truly unlock the potential of the ‘4 day work week’ system, seeking guidance from an experienced mentor is invaluable. A mentor can provide personalized advice, help you develop effective strategies, and hold you accountable for implementing the system. They have the expertise and insights to guide you through the challenges and ensure you achieve optimal results in your business and personal life.

Summary

By embracing the power of the 4 day work week you can revolutionize your entrepreneurial journey. Through ‘op days’, you will accomplish more high-value work, while ‘admin days’ maintain operational efficiency. 

Ultimately, the inclusion of ‘me days’ will enhance your overall well-being and work-life balance. 

The transformative story of Sylvi serves as a testament to the remarkable outcomes this system can bring. 

Now, it’s your turn to take action and implement this powerful time management system. 

Contracting a mentor with experience in turning businesses around using this system will provide you with the tools, guidance, and motivation to thrive in both your professional and personal life. 

Don’t wait any longer—unlock the true potential of your business and create a life of fulfilment and success.

Go you good thing.

Experience isn't the best teacher, experience is the only teacher.

Confidence comes from experience

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Hello, I'm Daryl Pratt creator of MENTORaUS

I have been mentoring folk like you since 2005. 

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