There’s been a lot of talk about increasing flexibility in the workplace, but exactly what that will look like is yet to be seen. Many experts argue that as productivity continues to increase and automation continues to improve, a four-day workweek is inevitable. But what if employers get ahead of this trend and instead make it a cultural norm to have a 4+1 schedule or four days of “work” and one day of “learning.” This type of schedule could be beneficial in multiple ways. On the one hand, it’s clear that Pandora’s Box has been opened; there’s no going back to traditional five-day, in-office work weeks. Most companies that demand as much are quickly reversing course when they see how negatively it impacts their ability to retain talent and recruit. Additionally, an overwhelming number of employees feel like their organization doesn’t do enough to prioritize their professional development. By making a 4+1 workweek the norm, leaders can establish more flexible schedules and promote a culture of learning that will keep their workforce cutting-edge, engaged, and retained.