Yahoo Finance A 20-Hour Workweek Is Possible: Here’s How I Do It
The grind from a 40-hour work week has been the expectation of almost all employees. It used to be Monday through Friday, nine in the morning until five in the evening. Times are changing, however, and so is the amount of time you need to work. In fact, you could cut the amount of time you spend at work in half–go from 40 hours to only 20 hours without sacrificing any pay.
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“Transitioning to a 20-hour workweek was not an overnight change for me,” recalled Max Shak, the founder and CEO of nerDigital. “It required careful planning and a shift in mindset. Initially, I faced challenges in delegating tasks and trusting my team with greater responsibilities.”
“However, by investing time in training and building a robust support system, I was able to create a sustainable model that allowed me to focus on strategic decisions,” Shak went on to say, noting that this transition not only improved Shak’s work-life balance but also enhanced overall business efficiency and employee satisfaction at the same time.
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Prioritize High-Impact Work
“One of the key strategies for thriving on a reduced workweek is to prioritize tasks that have the highest impact on business outcomes,” noted Shak.
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“By focusing on activities that drive revenue, foster growth, and improve efficiency, I can ensure that my limited work hours are used effectively. This involves rigorous time management and the ability to delegate lower-priority tasks,” Shak shared.
Implement Time Management Techniques
“Adopting effective time management strategies such as time blocking, the Pomodoro Technique, or the Eisenhower Matrix can help in managing work more efficiently,” offered Darryl Stevens, CEO of Digitech Web Design.
Stevens used the example of “…dedicating specific time slots for deep work without interruptions can enhance productivity, allowing you to accomplish more in fewer hours.”
Leverage Technology and Automation
“Technology plays a crucial role in maintaining productivity while working fewer hours,” Shak said, pointing out that his company employs automation tools for repetitive tasks such as email marketing, social media management and customer support.
“This allows us to accomplish more in less time and frees up hours for strategic work,” Shak reported. “Tools like project management software, CRM systems, and AI-driven analytics also help streamline operations.”
“Technology is very important for making a shorter work week possible,” agreed Kraig Kleeman, CEO at The New Workforce. “This way, we can pay attention to important things. It feels like having a special power that removes all the mess!”
Outsource and Delegation
“To maintain a 20-hour workweek, I delegate responsibilities to a trusted team,” Shak commented.
“Outsourcing non-core activities to freelancers or specialized agencies ensures that all aspects of the business are covered without overburdening internal resources,” Shak added. “This strategy can be applied in various sectors where certain functions can be efficiently outsourced.”
Flexible Work Arrangements
Promoting a culture of flexibility is essential, according to Shak. This became especially true during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and 2021, when companies had to rearrange when and how their employees work.
Shak’s company embraces flexible work hours and remote working options, allowing employees to work when they are most productive.
“This not only improves work-life balance but also increases overall efficiency. Such flexibility can be adapted in many industries to support a shorter workweek,” Shak remarked.
Kleeman took a similar approach, finding that when his team has less time and clear goals, they actually finish more work.
“Think about itᅳwhen you know you have only a few hours to complete tasks, you don’t waste time on many meetings or getting stuck in emails,” Kleeman said. “You prioritize, you focus, and you execute. It’s all about working smarter, not longer.”
Financial Discipline and Smart Investments
Shak stated that “financial security is critical when working fewer hours,” so when employees go home, their money and the company’s investments are working overtime.
“Developing passive income streams can provide financial security while working fewer hours,” said Stevens. “This could include investments in stocks, real estate, or creating digital products such as online courses or ebooks that generate ongoing revenue. Passive income reduces the reliance on active work hours for financial stability.”
“By practicing financial discipline and making smart investments, I ensure steady income streams,” Shak said, highlighting financial methods of growth such as diversifying investments in stocks, real estate, and other assets in order to provide additional financial stability.
“Encouraging employees to adopt similar financial practices can help them thrive on a reduced workweek,” Shak said.
Success Stories from Company Leaders
Stevens from Digital Web Design reported that the company “…implemented a results-oriented work environment (ROWE), where employees are evaluated based on output rather than hours worked.”
“This shift not only improved productivity but also allowed team members to achieve a better work-life balance,” Stevens described. “Personally, this approach enabled me to reduce my workweek to 20 hours without compromising business growth or financial security.”
Shak believes that a 20-hour workweek is achievable and can lead to financial and personal well-being if done strategically.
“By prioritizing high-impact work, leveraging technology, outsourcing, promoting flexibility, and maintaining financial discipline, workers across various sectors can adopt this model,” Shak concluded. “Encouraging a results-oriented mindset and providing the necessary tools and support can help more individuals and organizations thrive on a reduced workweek, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling work life.”
It’s not only about personal advantage for each worker, no matter their level, or even from company to company. The impact of having a shorter work week could create a worldwide shift in how the global economy functions.
“If many companies start using a 20-hour work week, we might see big social changes too,” Kleeman predicted. “We could have more jobs for everyone, better sharing of house duties, and stronger communities because people would have extra time to help out.”
“Sure, there are hurdles,” Kleeman noted, understanding that it will not be easy nor quick to implement this new timetable of production. “Not every industry can cut hours overnight. Work in places like hospitals or schools needs another way of doing things. Also, it is important to understand how pay will be managed so everyone gets what they need for living. But these are challenges to solve, not stop signs.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: A 20-Hour Workweek Is Possible: Here’s How I Do It
