• How does their thesis statement make a claim? Is their claim arguable and researchable?
• In your own words, restate what you believe your peer's thesis to be, and identify the key points that support the thesis. Do the key points directly support the thesis or move in another direction? Offer suggestions for how the key points could tie more tightly to the thesis.
• What are the objections to your peer's claim that they will need to address in their persuasive essay? If there are no objections, what is a claim that would have valid objections?
• Does the evidence for each body paragraph clearly support the key point of the paragraph? How might your peer indicate a stronger connection between the key point of the paragraph and the evidence?

Hook: Imagine gaining an extra day each week to rechargeless commuting, more time with family, and an overall improvement in mental well-being.

b. Context: Recent studies and pilot programs have indicated that a four-day workweek can improve employee health without sacrificing productivity. While some critics express concern over potential scheduling challenges and workload compression, the emerging evidence suggests a balanced approach is possible.

c. Thesis: Transitioning to a four-day workweek can revolutionize organizational practices by enhancing employee well-being and sustaining productivity and profitability, provided that companies implement thoughtful and flexible strategies.

2. Body Paragraph One: Employee Well-Being and Mental Health

a. Key Point: A four-day workweek significantly improves employee mental and physical health.

b. Counterargument and Rebuttal: Critics assert that fewer workdays may lead to compressed workloads and increased stress. However, research shows that when managed properly, a shortened workweek lowers stress and reduces burnout.

c. Illustration/Example:

- Denis (2022): Evidence suggests that shorter workweeks enhance employee satisfaction and reduce stress.

- Dnges & Bushwick (2023): Their article, *A four-day workweek reduces stress without hurting productivity*, confirms that reducing the workweek can lower stress levels while maintaining productivity, reinforcing the benefits for employee well-being.

d. Explanation/Analysis/Tie-Back: This evidence supports the argument that improved employee health leads to better overall performance, providing a strong rationale for transitioning to a four-day workweek.

3. Body Paragraph Two: Productivity and Profitability

a. Key Point: A shortened workweek can boost productivity, which, in turn, supports or enhances organizational profitability.

b. Counterargument and Rebuttal: Some argue that condensing work into four days might lead to hurried tasks and operational inefficiencies. However, companies adopting this model report increased per-hour productivity and stable profit margins.

c. Illustration/Example: Several mid-sized companies have demonstrated improved performance metrics during pilot programs of a four-day workweek. In The surprising viability of the four-day workweek, Schor's interview highlights real-world cases where the approach has led to sustained productivity and even profitability, providing a compelling counter to critics.

d. Explanation/Analysis/Tie-Back: The link between improved well-being (from Body Paragraph One) and heightened productivity provides a holistic view. Schor's evidence reinforces that, contrary to fears, enhanced productivity can drive profitabilitymaking the case for a strategic workweek transformation.

4. Body Paragraph Three: Operational Challenges and Implementation Strategies

1. Key Point: Effective implementation of a four-day workweek requires careful planning and adaptive scheduling.

1. Counterargument and Rebuttal: While some claim that transitioning to a four-day workweek could disrupt operations and weaken customer service continuity, phased rollouts and pilot programs can minimize these risks.

1. Illustration/Example: Case studies illustrate that with strategic planning, companies can successfully manage workload distribution and maintain service standards even with a condensed schedule.

1. Explanation/Analysis/Tie-Back: Acknowledging the practical challengesand mitigating them through tailored strategiesstrengthens the overall argument that the benefits of improved employee health and productivity can be realized without major operational disruptions.

5. Conclusion

a. Recap Thesis: In summary, a four-day workweek offers significant benefits for both employee health and organizational productivity when implemented thoughtfully.

b. Summarize Key Points: Enhanced mental and physical health, increased per-hour productivity and profitability, and effective strategies to overcome operational challenges all support the transition.

c. Final Thought/Call to Action: Organizations should consider piloting a four-day workweek as a forward-thinking solution that can improve work-life balance while driving long-term business success.