Technology

LiveCareer Report: 67% of Workers Believe a 4-Day Workweek Boosts Productivity

Published

1 year ago

January 7, 2025

Survey finds 76% of women prefer a shorter workweek, compared to 57% of men. Work-life balance, increased job satisfaction and productivity are cited as major motivators.

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — LiveCareer®, a career service dedicated to resumes and cover letters, released findings from its 4-Day Work Week Report today. The report polled 1,130 American workers on their feelings about four-day workweeks and assessed the potential productivity gains from compressing a 40-hour workweek into fewer days.

Key takeaways:

67% of respondents believe they would be more productive with a four-day workweek, working 10-hour days.76% of women support the shift to a four-day workweek, compared to 57% of men.78% of workers believe AI or automation could enable a four-day workweek, with men being more optimistic (86%) than women (71%), revealing a strong reliance on technology to reshape work structures.Men are significantly more concerned than women about the schedule’s impact on reduced collaboration time (48% vs. 28%)Women place greater emphasis on fewer meetings and remote work options as productivity boosters (50% and 39%, compared to 39% and 22% for men)

“The strong support for a four-day workweek, especially among women, highlights the prioritization of work-life balance and flexibility—a consistent theme in research on the needs of female workers,” said Jasmine Escalera, a career expert for LiveCareer.

A Four-Day Workweek is the Preferred Work Schedule

The report found that workers want a four-day workweek. Sixty-seven percent of those surveyed feel they would be most productive working four 10-hour shifts compared to a third who say they favor a five-day, 40-hour-a-week schedule.

Gendered Differences in Preferences

A four-day workweek has broad support among women who value better work-life balance and flexibility.

76% of women prefer a four-day workweek, compared to 57% of men.Men are more likely to prefer the traditional five-day schedule (43%) than women (24%).

Workers See Potential in a Four-Day Workweek

Part of the appeal of a four-day, 40-hour workweek is the perceived benefits of this type of schedule. Of those surveyed, the top benefits include:

Better work-life balance (61%)Increased productivity (59%)Increased job satisfaction (59%)

Women, in particular, are interested in a four-day schedule’s ability to help them prioritize work-life balance (69%) and lower commuting costs (40%), compared to 52% and 21% of men, respectively.

Workers Fear Productivity Problems

When asked what they predict would be the biggest challenges to staying productive in a four-day workweek, workers did cite several of the trade-offs they envisioned having to make if they adopt a condensed work schedule:

63% say that they believe a four-day workweek would result in longer workdays, leading to fatigue.59% believe a condensed schedule can potentially increase their workload or expectations.Men are more concerned about a four-day workweek creating an increased workload (69%) than women (58%).Men also worry that an abbreviated work week would mean less time for collaboration (48%) compared to women (28%).

“While longer workdays and increased workloads are significant concerns—particularly for men—the optimism surrounding automation and AI shows promise that a four-day workweek could become a reality for more workers,” said Escalara. “These tools could enable employees to maintain productivity and achieve even more in a four-day workweek than in a traditional workweek.”

Strategies for Boosting Productivity in a Four-Day Workweek

Surveyed workers shared the top tools and strategies they believe will support productivity in a four-day week. Top strategies include:

Better time management or productivity tools (54%)Setting clearer priorities and goals (51%)Shifting the focus onto professional outcomes over the number of hours worked (45%)

Women put greater emphasis on fewer meetings and remote work options as productivity boosters (50% and 39%, compared to 39% and 22% for men), shedding light on how different groups prioritize work practices to improve efficiency.

Optimism About AI and Automation

Additionally, most of those polled say that they believe AI and automation will significantly improve the productivity of a four-day workweek.

78% believe AI or automation could enable a four-day workweek.Men are more optimistic (86%) about AI’s role in a shortened workweek than women (71%).

For detailed insights, access the full survey results at https://www.livecareer.com/resources/livecareer-report-67-of-workers-believe-a-4-day-workweek-boosts-productivity or contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com.

Methodology
The findings presented were obtained by surveying 1,130 American workers on November 27, 2024, about how they feel a four-day workweek might impact their workplace productivity. They answered different types of questions, including yes/no, open-ended, scale-based questions where respondents indicated their level of agreement with statements, and multiple-choice where they could select from a list of provided options.

About LiveCareer
LiveCareer is the premier career site empowering job seekers to find their path to professional success. Since 2005, LiveCareer has helped over 10 million workers worldwide by offering information, expert guidance, and support to boost their chances of finding a job in less time. This includes providing job seekers with resume templates to help them build stronger resumes and cover letters. LiveCareer’s extensive suite of career resources also includes interview prep tools and original content to help candidates navigate their job search and target their chosen career path. Stay connected with LiveCareer’s latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

LiveCareer press contact: Nathan Barber
Phone: (206) 900-2989

Media Contact

Nathan Barber, LiveCareer, (206) 900-2989, nathan.barber@bold.com, https://www.livecareer.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/livecareer-report-67-of-workers-believe-a-4-day-workweek-boosts-productivity-302344044.html

SOURCE LiveCareer

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meridian-singapore-immigration-launches-new-website-to-simplify-the-pr-application-journey-for-foreigners-in-singapore-302757392.html

SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/socomec-daitron-team-up-to-meet-japans-growing-power-demands-302755570.html

SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.