Your company, a growing business, is exploring changes to the workweek after hearing employees feel stretched by the current schedule. They’ve sent a survey to get your thoughts on adjusting it, hoping your feedback…
Time
26 minutes
Length
150–200 words
Structure
Choose Option A or B and support it
The question
Your company, a growing business, is exploring changes to the workweek after hearing employees feel stretched by the current schedule. They’ve sent a survey to get your thoughts on adjusting it, hoping your feedback will help create a structure that boosts morale and efficiency. This is your opportunity to share what fits your life best!
Which option do you prefer? Why?
-Option A: Implement a four-day workweek (longer hours each day).
-Option B: Keep the traditional five-day workweek.
Excellent answer: around CLB 11–12
I strongly endorse Option A, as a four-day workweek offers transformative benefits for employee well-being and organizational efficiency. Primarily, condensing the work schedule into four days, even with longer hours, affords employees a three-day weekend. This extended break fosters recovery from work-related fatigue, enhances work-life balance, and allows time for personal growth or family, significantly boosting morale.
Moreover, evidence suggests that a compressed workweek heightens productivity. Employees, motivated by the prospect of an extended weekend, tend to sharpen their focus and streamline their efforts, completing tasks with greater efficiency. Pilot programs in various industries have validated this approach.
Additionally, from a business perspective, operating the office four days a week reduces overhead costs—energy consumption, maintenance, and resource use decline noticeably. This cost-saving potential, paired with sustained or improved output, makes the policy financially sound.
While the five-day model has tradition behind it, the advantages of Option A in fostering a healthier, more engaged, and cost-effective workforce are undeniable. It’s a forward-thinking solution I wholeheartedly support.
165 words
Good answer: around CLB 7–8
I prefer Option A because a four-day workweek would benefit both employees and the company. First, having an extra day off improves life outside work. Employees can rest, spend time with loved ones, or handle personal tasks, which helps them feel less stressed and more satisfied.
Second, working longer hours over fewer days can make people more productive. When employees know they have a three-day weekend, they focus better and finish their work faster. I’ve seen this work well in other places.
Finally, it can save money. Running the office for fewer days means lower costs for electricity, heating, and supplies. I believe a four-day workweek is a smart change that would make us happier and more efficient at work.
120 words
Basic answer: around CLB 4–5
I choose Option A because a four-day workweek is better for me. Working four days means I get three days off. This gives me more time to rest and be with my family, which makes me happy.
Also, longer weekends are good for relaxing. Five days of work make me very tired, but with an extra day off, I can sleep more or do fun things. It helps me feel better.
Last, it can save money for the company. If we use the office less, we don’t need so much light or heat. This is good for business. So, I think four days of work is the best choice.
109 words
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