If the 4-day work week was standardized, when would you like the 3rd day off to be?

Question

There were studies done about mid-week days off being ideal for people to recharge their batteries.

What would you say, when should the 3rd day off be?

Steven Birchall · Accepted Answer

Midweek makes sense in terms of breaking up the week, so you're never working anymore than 2 days in a row, it does however kill momentum.

I think I'd prefer it to be one of the bookends, so either Monday or Friday.

Sinay Salomon · Answer

Definitely Friday. Monday has a sense of urgency and it feels as if everyone has to work, whereas Friday is a nice preparation day for the weekend.

Paxshal · Answer

Friday always feels like a day off - so obviously Monday ;)

Albert Lin · Answer

Oh wow, kind of torn between middle of the week or Monday...

Oksana Chyketa · Answer

@albert_lin1 yeah, me too. But I think that having a day off on mid of the week actually lets a person to rechage a bit (that's actually out from my experience)

Tanya Kapoor · Answer

Friday

Krishna Kumar · Answer

Friday. Monday to Thursday you maintain momentum, though I guess thursday, you will slack off. Can't help it

Jade Mackenzie · Answer

I've been lucky enough to work a 4 day week for a while now and thoroughly appreciate the balance it brings to my life. 
In previous roles, Fridays were my 3rd day off which was great as it meant (a) I was in on Mondays to align & focus the team,(b)I could generate & maintain momentum Mon - Thursday and then switch off properly, and (c) got a long weekend every week, which was truly restorative. It did mean that I missed out on a number of relationship & culture building opportunities on Fridays though, as they were always really vibey days in the office. 
In my current role, Thursdays are generally my 3rd day off and this feel like the right arrangement for the role I'm in. I manage to make progress on enough items by EOD Wednesdays to switch off the next day, and then come back in on Fridays to close out the week with the team, go to team lunches & drinks etc. 
I actually have a lot of flexibility re: which day I take out, which I truly appreciate. Some weeks I take the Friday off if I'm going away for the weekend, and other weeks I actually split my 3rd day off across 2 days i.e. I only work a half day on Tuesdays and Thursdays (and full days Mon / Tues / Wed). This helps me accommodate important meetings when necessary but still have the afternoons off for family time.

Swapnil D Puranik · Answer

Monday! got to beat those Monday blues.

Luka Vasic · Answer

@jade_mack Thanks for the in-depth answer Jade. Great seeing how you took the flexibility of your role and made it work for you so you get everything done and have a balanced life.

Philip Snyder · Answer

Friday, of course...

Luka Vasic · Answer

@albert_lin1 @oksana_ch Yea I read a study somewhere about mid-week being great for people to recharge bateries.

Instead of going from 0 to 100 over the weekend, they go 60 to 100 then again 60 to 100 which lowers burnout and provides more productivity.

Answer

For me definitely Monday!

If the 4-day work week was standardized, when would you like the 3rd day off to be?

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