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The Benefits of a 4-Day Work Week in the Service Department

By:
M5 Management Services, Inc.

Labor Management, Productivity, Service Department Efficiency

In the world of dealership fixed operations, the traditional full-time work week often looks quite different than in a typical office setting. With the goal of enhancing customer satisfaction, convenience, and capacity, many dealerships have extended their hours of operation and are now open six or even seven days a week. As a result, employees frequently find themselves working longer hours and more days than what most would consider reasonable.

Despite numerous studies concluding that working beyond 30-40 hours per week is usually counterproductive and inefficient, dealerships still struggle with staffing shortages and are forced to implement demanding schedules to meet business needs. This is particularly evident on Saturdays, which should be the busiest day of the week but often suffers from coverage issues.

The 4-Day Work Week

So, what’s the solution? While there’s no magic wand to solve this problem, implementing alternative scheduling has proven to be an effective approach for many businesses. Among the various options available, the 4-day work week has emerged as the most accepted, implemented, effective, and desired solution in most situations.

With work-life balance being cited as one of the most important criteria for a career, and the ongoing challenge of finding technicians and advisors in a competitive labor market, offering an attractive and time-off friendly schedule can set dealerships apart from their competition. Although the concept of a 4-day work week is not new, dating back to the 1970s in some industries, it has recently regained popularity due to its numerous benefits.

One of the primary advantages of a 4-day work week is improved productivity. When employees have an extra day off, they tend to compensate by being more productive during their work hours. This increased productivity can also be attributed to the positive impact that additional time away from work has on employee morale. With more time to spend with family and a better work-life balance, employees are less likely to experience burnout, resulting in improved attitudes towards their work and reduced absenteeism.

Another benefit of the 4-day work week is more efficient use of time. Employees are less likely to engage in unproductive activities like excessive socializing or “running out the clock” with time-wasters such as social media or taking unnecessary breaks. This focus on efficiency also tends to bring teams closer together, as there is less time for disputes and everyone’s goals are more aligned.

Employee satisfaction is another key factor in the success of a 4-day work week. With reduced stress and a better work-life balance, happy workers are more engaged with their work and have increased motivation. Additionally, employees who spend a significant amount of time commuting, sometimes as much as 2 hours each way, benefit from having one less work day, which reduces drive time stress and further enhances job satisfaction.

Implementing a 4-day work week can also lead to better coverage throughout the week. Most schedules allow for the same number of work hours, but the distribution of those hours across fewer days makes it easier to ensure adequate staffing. Moreover, there are environmental benefits to consider, as reducing each employee’s commute by one day per week can significantly decrease their carbon footprint.

While the advantages of a 4-day work week are numerous, it’s important to acknowledge some potential drawbacks. For employees with children, the longer working hours of a 10-hour day may present challenges in arranging childcare or leaving home very early. Some employees, particularly those who have been working a “cushy” schedule for many years, may be resistant to change and find it difficult to adjust. Additionally, some employees might perceive working fewer days as less opportunity and may require more coaching through the process.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of implementing a 4-day work week in dealership fixed operations generally outweigh the drawbacks. As employees enjoy additional time off and department morale improves, the initial difficulties of the transition are soon forgotten. By considering this alternative scheduling approach, dealerships can address issues such as capacity constraints, excessive employee hours, coverage problems, and staffing challenges, particularly on busy days like Saturdays.

In conclusion, dealership fixed operations managers should carefully evaluate their current scheduling practices and consider the potential benefits of implementing a 4-day work week. By prioritizing employee well-being, work-life balance, and productivity, dealerships can create a more attractive and competitive work environment that ultimately leads to improved customer satisfaction and business success.

Elevate your Fixed Operations department with our custom-tailored solutions. Our team offers in-depth assessments and specialized training programs, crafting strategies designed specifically to boost efficiency, maximize customer retention, and ensure long-term profitability. We’ll work closely with you to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted solutions that drive sustainable growth for your business.