255 words, written by us as a teaching example — not a verified exam script. Read it, then attempt the question yourself.
“Some argue that companies should switch to a four-day working week. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantag…”Model answer
255 wordsP1There is growing interest in the idea that businesses should adopt a four-day working week. Having considered both sides, I believe the advantages of this change clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
P2The benefits for employees and employers alike are considerable. A shorter week gives workers an extra day to rest, exercise, and spend time with their families, which reduces stress and the risk of burnout. Well-rested staff tend to be more focused and productive, so the same amount of work can often be completed in fewer hours. A widely reported trial in Iceland found that workers maintained their output while reporting much higher wellbeing, and companies elsewhere have seen lower staff turnover and reduced overheads such as electricity and heating once offices close for an extra day.
P3The disadvantages, though, should not be ignored. Some industries, hospitals, shops, and emergency services among them, must operate every day, which makes a uniform four-day week impractical. Compressing the same workload into fewer days can also intensify pressure, and businesses may need to hire additional staff to maintain coverage, raising costs.
Write your answer in the exam workspace and see how your four marks compare to the model’s.
P4These difficulties, however, are largely confined to particular sectors and can be managed through staggered schedules, whereas the gains in wellbeing and productivity apply broadly. A healthier, more motivated workforce ultimately benefits the wider economy as well as the individual.
P5In conclusion, although a four-day week is not suitable for every industry and may raise short-term costs, the improvements in employee wellbeing and efficiency are, in my view, more significant, so its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.