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The Seven-Day Weekend

352 pages, 2004

business & management

business & management

1082 books
self-improvement

self-improvement

909 books
Takeaways
Description

The workplace has changed in the past few decades. Email and paperwork are common, and many people work on Sunday evenings. But people do not yet know how to go to the movies on Monday afternoons. A new way to work is needed. Maverick!, which was published in 1993, presents a new way of working at Brazilian company Semco that has since experienced explosive growth: it is now five times larger than it was in 1993, with 2,300 employees compared to 350 then. 

This book describes how Maverick! Has changed the workplace: hammocks where employees rest during the day, Retire-a-Little Plans that encourage people to retire early and come back when they want, abolishing control over employees' actions and implementing a boarding school mentality instead. 

The results of this new approach include 20 years of success with practically no staff turnover and an organization that deals smoothly and coherently with a variety of business areas, from machinery to environmental consulting and from real estate advisory services to new business start-ups.

Redefining Work-Life Balance

In The Seven-Day Weekend, Ricardo Semler challenges the traditional concept of work-life balance. He suggests that work and personal life should not be separate entities, but rather integrated into a seamless whole. This means you can enjoy your weekend vibes any day of the week!

Employee Empowerment

Semler believes in giving employees the freedom to make decisions. He argues that when employees are trusted and given autonomy, they are more likely to be motivated, productive, and innovative. So, if you're a manager, take a look at how you can empower your team.

Flexible Working Hours

The book explores the idea of flexible working hours. Semler argues that the traditional 9-5 workday is outdated and that allowing employees to choose their own working hours can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. It's time to rethink the way we work!

Profit Sharing

Semler shares his experience with profit sharing at his company, Semco. He found that when employees have a stake in the company's success, they are more invested in their work. If you're a business owner, this could be a game-changer for your company.

Democracy in the Workplace

The Seven-Day Weekend also delves into the concept of workplace democracy. Semler believes that employees should have a say in decisions that affect them, from hiring new team members to setting company policies. It's all about creating a more inclusive and fair work environment.

Recommendations

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Ev Williams

Ev Williams

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