The pandemic onset by COVID-19 has had huge impacts on the operations of many businesses in Manitoba. Some have embraced remote work, and others have reduced hours of operation for a limited time. These changes have shown how mouldable work structure is. Now, businesses are entering into a new era of work. They must find ways to reduce burnout and attract new applications, all while maintaining productivity and profit. Four-day workweeks have potential to help companies achieve all these goals.
In Manitoba, four-day workweeks are much more common in manufacturing than many other sectors. Although many other types of business, such as advertising agencies, have adopted remote work, the typical five-day workweek is still the standard. Both manufacturing and advertising companies are centered around creating deliverables. Advertising agencies have the opportunity to learn from local manufacturers about the four-day workweek and the effects it has on operations, employees, and clients.