Final answer:
The effects of a compressed workweek on absenteeism and productivity are complex and depend on individual employee circumstances and job nature. A compressed workweek can reduce absenteeism with longer rest periods but might increase stress and potential burnout. Productivity can improve with employees feeling more motivated with longer weekends, though other factors like work stress and supervisory styles also play significant roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effects of a compressed workweek on absenteeism can be variable. In some cases, it can lead to a reduction in absenteeism, as employees enjoy longer weekends and may feel more rested and ready to work during their designated days. However, the intensity of a compressed schedule could potentially lead to higher stress levels and burnout, which might increase absenteeism rates. As for productivity, a compressed workweek can potentially increase productivity as employees may work more effectively knowing they have longer weekends. Nevertheless, this can also depend on the nature of the job and the individual employee.
Historical data have shown that variations in the workweek and the implementation of the assembly line had mixed effects on workers. Ford's assembly line methods drastically increased efficiency and worker productivity, as measured by the amount produced per worker, by about 50%. However, this increase in productivity was coupled with a decrease in job satisfaction as workers were disconnected from the end product and worked in repetitive, monotonous environments. Factors like work stress and supervisory style have also been shown to affect productivity and the well-being of workers.
Looking at productivity, various measures besides the amount produced per hour of work can provide a broader understanding. These include looking at the quality of products, the innovation level within the company, customer satisfaction, and the overall economic impact of the workforce's output on the company's success. For example, a worker might produce fewer items per hour, but if those items are of higher quality and create more customer satisfaction, that might be considered more productive in the long run.