This is a rewrite of the article I had written 14th of October, 2024
I remember my first real burnout. After nearly a decade in the software industry, I hit a wall so hard I couldn’t write a single line of code for months. The problem wasn’t the work—it was the relentless structure built around it. The tech world has a habit of rewarding great work with more work, grinding people down until there’s nothing left to give.
As I took a self-imposed sabbatical, I realized something fundamental had to change. Now, with AI and automation revolutionizing what’s possible, the 9-to-5, five-day grind feels more outdated than ever. We don't need employees chained to desks; we need creative, insightful people who can innovate. And you can’t innovate when you’re exhausted.
That’s why we shifted to a 4-day workweek at Illuminarean in February 2020. It wasn't just a perk; it was a strategic decision that transformed our business. Here’s how.
Ending the Burnout Cycle Before It Starts
Throwing money at burned-out employees is like putting a bandage on a broken leg. The real solution is to prevent the injury in the first place. The traditional workweek leaves no room for the deep rest required for creative problem-solving. By giving our team a three-day weekend every week, we give them the mental space to disconnect, recharge, and return on Monday with fresh eyes and genuine enthusiasm. We’re not just preventing burnout; we’re creating an environment where it can’t take root.
Our Secret Weapon in the War for Talent
As a startup with fewer than 15 people, we couldn’t go head-to-head with Big Tech on salary. But we could offer something far more valuable: time.
The promise of a 4-day workweek, combined with our work-from-anywhere policy, became our competitive advantage. It attracted brilliant people who were tired of being disposable cogs in a corporate machine. They were looking for a place that valued their well-being as much as their output.
The results speak for themselves. High turnover can cripple a business, with studies showing it takes 6 to 12 months for a new hire to deliver a return on investment. Our model has allowed us to retain incredible talent in an industry famous for job-hopping. Today, our team has grown from 15 to 65, and the core of that team has been with us for years.
Redefining Productivity: From Hours Logged to Results Delivered
Technology allows us to achieve more in less time than ever before. So why are we all still working the same long hours our parents did?
We had to convince our CEO, a sharp, numbers-driven leader, that fewer workdays could lead to better business outcomes. The argument was simple: productivity is no longer about the hours you clock in. It's about the quality of the results you produce. A well-rested mind is an innovative mind. After some deliberation, he agreed to try it. The model didn’t just work—it exceeded all expectations.
The Unexpected Power of Urgency
One of the most surprising benefits of a shorter workweek is the intense focus it creates. With only four days to get everything done, there’s no time for wasteful meetings or mindless distractions. Every workday has a sense of urgency, like a sprint. The team is hyper-focused and efficient because they know a restorative three-day weekend is waiting for them. It’s the perfect cycle of intense work followed by meaningful rest.
Building a Company Where Life Comes First
Early in my career, I saw too many successful professionals in Korea sacrifice their family lives for their jobs, only to become strangers to their loved ones by retirement. This phenomenon, known as hwanghonihon (“Golden Age Divorce”), was a powerful warning. I was determined to prove that professional success and a rich personal life could coexist.
The 4-day workweek is our commitment to that ideal. It allows our team to thrive in their careers without missing out on the things that truly matter.
The Future of Work is Already Here
By embracing a 4-day workweek, we’ve built a team of motivated, loyal, and highly capable people who consistently deliver a full week’s work in just four days. This isn’t magic. It’s the result of rested minds, sharp focus, and the smart use of modern tools. Our journey proves that a shorter week doesn't just benefit employees—it builds a stronger, more resilient, and more innovative business.