What's the definition of a four-day workweek?

Well, according to the township's definition, it all comes down to time management.

"A compressed workweek is a flexible work arrangement whereby an employee works longer hours in exchange for a reduction in the number of working days in the working cycle," Algonquin Highlands outlined in a press release.

It's hardly a new concept, as some townships in the province started trial-running the initiative in 2020. But, the feedback has so far been positive.

"In staff's outreach to these communities, they have learned of numerous benefits to the 4-day workweek, from enhanced staff retention and attraction to improved employee morale, increased productivity, and a reduction in absenteeism," the township of Springwater noted in a release.

What does your day-to-day look like on a four-day workweek schedule?

For the Algonquin Highlands, the compressed workweek arrangement for office staff is 35 hours per week, a schedule that allows a shortened 30-minute lunch break each day.

"An additional 15 minutes will be credited at the end of each employee's working day in exchange for the reduction in lunch break, enabling staff to leave at 5:00 p.m. when the office closes," the release adds.

Under the new schedule, employees work 8.75 hours daily, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., either Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday, effectively increasing the township's service delivery by five additional hours per week.

What places have a four-day workweek?

The following Ontario townships have a four-day workweek:

• Algonquin Highlands
• Aylmer
• Zorra
• Springwater
• French River

Additionally, these Ontario companies also offer their employees a four-day workweek:

• The Juno College of Technology
• The Leadership Agency
• PRAXIS
• Situra