or I could see it as another tool in the toolbox for smaller private companies that simply cannot match the offers of the big FAANG tech companies with their sky high pay and oodles of RSUs.
A private tech company can't match what Apple can do in financial compensation, but what they can offer is better quality of life. Previously that might have been something around benefits and vacation days, but four day work week is a new lever.
If they cannot offer what it costs to hire the competence the require, they need to learn how to do those things themselves. You cannot just start a company and expect to buy your way out of your own lack of competence - at least not when there are others paying more.
A private tech company can't match what Apple can do in financial compensation, but what they can offer is better quality of life. Previously that might have been something around benefits and vacation days, but four day work week is a new lever.