I work in IT (DevOps/Platform/SysAdmin stuff). I enjoy working with technology, though dealing with project/business/management can be a pain. In my field, you have to constantly keep on top of new technologies (Linux, Windows, Cloud, Networking etc.) processes, and ways of working (ITIL, AGILE, SCRUM etc). It's a never-ending task of learning on the job and studying.
There is also pressure to deliver even if you lack experience with technology as there is an assumption that because you know “IT” you basically know how everything works (Even though it's an extremely broad industry with loads of specialties. ) or a lack of understanding that stuff can take time.
All this is very mentally taxing along with a lack of time to properly do physical activity as well as family and other commitments. This has a knock-on effect of causing me to get very worn out and has led me to feel burnt out and affected my mental health at times.
What I have found is that whenever I take Friday off I get time to catch up on personal admin, housework, gardening, do some home projects/maintenance as well as time to spend with the kids and get a rest day to recover.
I come back Monday refreshed as I am caught up and rested. I am less stressed more focused and get more work done. In contrast, if I don't do this after a while my productivity drops, and I am more stressed and more prone to making mistakes, at times experiencing “brain fog” and extreme fatigue.
It seems like the average worker is now expected to do more complex tasks with a higher workload than what used to be the case while getting no more time to recover. We all know that productivity is way higher than even just a few decades ago but workers have not been given the extra time off and pay for this extra productivity gain.
It seems obvious to me that people need to be given enough time to allow their brains to recharge and sort themselves out. A four-day week seems like a great way to do this while also increasing overall productivity.