Oregon’s Remote Workers Adjust as Trump Axes the Four-Day Work Week Trend
President Donald Trump’s executive order ending federal employees working remotely will stop the unofficial four-day-week many are enjoying.
According to a survey by Bisnar Choice law firm, one in four of the 3,010 remote workers interviewed admitted starting their workday later, finishing earlier, taking long breaks, and ending their work week earlier.
Survey Reveals that 26% of Federal Employees Interviewed Work a Four-Day Week
Results of the survey conducted by the law firm Bisnar Chase reveal that 26% of remote employees interviewed work a four-day-week, while one in three, or 33%, cut their work week short by logging off early on Fridays.
Other remote workers, however, have devised more creative ways to keep up work-mode appearances.
According to the survey, 47% admitted taking work calls while driving, 23% to working from a holiday destination, 21% answering calls while lounging poolside, and 15% speaking to employers while in hotels or Airbnb’s in another city.
But perhaps the most creative ruse of all is the 13% of employees who use a mouse jiggler – a program or device that simulates the movements of a mouse to keep computers active.
Another tactic used by 18% of the survey respondents was setting their status to ‘deep focus’ mode to avoid interruptions.
See also: Oregon Has Second Highest Number Of Remote Workers In US
17% Admitted Working Two Full-Time Jobs Remotely
The boldest admission was made by 17% of the remote employees who admitted working remotely full-time for two different employers.
Friday strategies include sending strategic emails to create the appearance of working productively (42%), and scheduling calendar events for the afternoon (33%).
Common work shirking includes running personal errands (38%), playing video games (28%), or watching television (22%). A further 12% admit to going for walks or sneaking out to the gym.
However, it is not all play and no work. As Brian Chase of Bisnar Chase says, many remote-working employees respond to messages after work hours, participate in evening chat groups, and work while on official vacation.
‘The traditional 9-to-5 model doesn’t always apply in a digital world.’ says Chase.
He says the flexibility of working remotely ‘allows employees to be more productive on their own terms.’ Taking longer lunch breaks and ‘shutting shop’ early on Fridays does not necessarily indicate that they are work slackers, as many of those interviewed make up for that time elsewhere.