Tech workers want a four-day workweek — but know customers would hate it

Tech workers are tantalized by the idea of a four-day workweek for themselves. But they also see downsides for the people who rely on their services, according to a new survey.

In mid-January, software maker Qualtrics asked more than 1,000 workers across sectors about the four-day workweek. The results, published on Thursday, show that almost 94% of tech workers want this perk and 88% said it would make them more productive. But 64% said it would likely frustrate customers. More than half of tech workers said it would hurt sales and revenue goals, while 49% said it would encourage slacking off.

Yet a four-day workweek remains a dream for many tech workers, who largely said they could finish their work in four long days. Eighty-nine percent said the four-day workweek would make them feel more loyal to their employer.

But would they give up some of their income in exchange for the four-day week? It depends on how much. More than half said they’d give up 5% of their pay for a four-day workweek. But substantially fewer — 23% — said they’d go as far as taking a 15% cut. Fewer than 10% would give up 20% of their pay in exchange for a 20% shorter workweek.

And despite the keen interest in the four-day workweek, 43% said they'd ultimately prefer the flexibility to work whenever they want.