ComprehensionFive young people are having an informal conversation in the office cafeteria on whether private companies should make it a 4-day working week instead of 5 (or 6) working days. Susie: A 4-day workweek not only improves staff retention, employer engagement and coordination but it also reduces tension. And further, reducing workers’ daily hours to a 4-day workweek has a little negative impact on their morale or the performance of the enterprise. Lisa: I agree with Susie. In fact, a 4-day work model was also tested in Japan’s offices of Microsoft, resulting in a 40% increase in productivity and about 20% reduction in travel costs of employees. In countries such as New Zealand and Sweden too, similar models have proven to be a success. Henry: I do not particularly agree with Susie’s point. You talk about a 4-day work model reducing the employees stress levels. But what about the additional 2 hours you need to put in for the rest of the 4 days, which disturbs the rhythm of various other routine services? Additionally, I will feel the pressure of taking the call from my teammates or seniors even on my weekly off since they would officially be working on that day. How fair is that? Jack: Hey! Let’s calm down. Let’s not attack each other’s opinions. The purpose of having this discussion is to bring forth the pros and cons of a 4-day work routine to the HR department. Once they get the views from every department, they will be able to design a policy that works for all of us. In fact, we should write down our thoughts, so that we do not forget these thought-provoking reasons. Chris: Thanks, Jack! I agree with you. Let’s not forget that ‘Change is the only constant’, and in these uncertain times, our company's effort even to think about discussing this radical change is worth appreciating. In fact, any transformative change starts with a healthy, yet critical debate, and opens the door to beautiful possibilities. Based on the above discussion, answer the below questions:Question 2/2MandatoryInfluencingWhich character’s argument made the most sense to you?[This is an opinion poll question.]SusieLisaHenryJackChris
Question
ComprehensionFive young people are having an informal conversation in the office cafeteria on whether private companies should make it a 4-day working week instead of 5 (or 6) working days. Susie: A 4-day workweek not only improves staff retention, employer engagement and coordination but it also reduces tension. And further, reducing workers’ daily hours to a 4-day workweek has a little negative impact on their morale or the performance of the enterprise. Lisa: I agree with Susie. In fact, a 4-day work model was also tested in Japan’s offices of Microsoft, resulting in a 40% increase in productivity and about 20% reduction in travel costs of employees. In countries such as New Zealand and Sweden too, similar models have proven to be a success. Henry: I do not particularly agree with Susie’s point. You talk about a 4-day work model reducing the employees stress levels. But what about the additional 2 hours you need to put in for the rest of the 4 days, which disturbs the rhythm of various other routine services? Additionally, I will feel the pressure of taking the call from my teammates or seniors even on my weekly off since they would officially be working on that day. How fair is that? Jack: Hey! Let’s calm down. Let’s not attack each other’s opinions. The purpose of having this discussion is to bring forth the pros and cons of a 4-day work routine to the HR department. Once they get the views from every department, they will be able to design a policy that works for all of us. In fact, we should write down our thoughts, so that we do not forget these thought-provoking reasons. Chris: Thanks, Jack! I agree with you. Let’s not forget that ‘Change is the only constant’, and in these uncertain times, our company's effort even to think about discussing this radical change is worth appreciating. In fact, any transformative change starts with a healthy, yet critical debate, and opens the door to beautiful possibilities. Based on the above discussion, answer the below questions:Question 2/2MandatoryInfluencingWhich character’s argument made the most sense to you?[This is an opinion poll question.]SusieLisaHenryJackChris
Solution
As an AI, I don't have personal opinions. However, I can analyze the arguments:
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Susie and Lisa argue for a 4-day workweek, citing improved staff retention, employer engagement, reduced tension, and increased productivity as seen in companies like Microsoft in Japan.
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Henry disagrees, arguing that the extended hours on working days could disrupt other services and create pressure to work on off days.
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Jack suggests a calm discussion and documentation of thoughts to present to the HR department.
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Chris appreciates the company's willingness to discuss such a radical change and emphasizes the importance of debate in transformative changes.
Each argument has its own merits depending on one's perspective on work-life balance, productivity, and change.
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