Four-day workweek: Firms in UK make the move permanent after world’s biggest trial
Following a significant global trial in the UK, companies are adopting the four-day workweek permanently after experiencing positive outcomes, such as sustained lower work intensity and improved job satisfaction.
During a six-month pilot in 2022, 61 UK companies tested a reduced workweek. A year later, 89% continued to implement the four-day week, and over half have adopted it permanently. Managers and CEOs unanimously reported positive organizational impacts.
The majority of employees also reaped personal benefits, with 96% noting an improved personal life and 86% feeling more effective at work.
The pandemic drove interest in shorter workweeks throughout Europe, focusing on flexibility and employee wellbeing. In this model, employees retain full-time pay and benefits for four days of work with an equivalent workload.
The UK pilot saw an average reduction of 6.6 working hours, down to a 31.6-hour week, with full days off proving more beneficial than "on-call" arrangements.
"There are significant improvements in physical and mental health and work-life balance," said Professor Juliet Schor of Boston College, highlighting sustained benefits in burnout reduction and life satisfaction.
European trade unions are pushing for a widespread adoption of the four-day week, yet governments remain cautious. In contrast, Belgium granted workers the right to compress their work hours into four days without salary loss in 2022.
Belgium's move aligns with broader employment goals, aiming for an 80% employment rate by 2030 to maintain pension affordability and potential tax reforms.
In Scotland, some public services began experimenting with a four-day workweek this month, indicating a growing trend towards this new working pattern.
The majority of employees also reaped personal benefits, with 96% noting an improved personal life and 86% feeling more effective at work.
The pandemic drove interest in shorter workweeks throughout Europe, focusing on flexibility and employee wellbeing. In this model, employees retain full-time pay and benefits for four days of work with an equivalent workload.
The UK pilot saw an average reduction of 6.6 working hours, down to a 31.6-hour week, with full days off proving more beneficial than "on-call" arrangements.
"There are significant improvements in physical and mental health and work-life balance," said Professor Juliet Schor of Boston College, highlighting sustained benefits in burnout reduction and life satisfaction.
European trade unions are pushing for a widespread adoption of the four-day week, yet governments remain cautious. In contrast, Belgium granted workers the right to compress their work hours into four days without salary loss in 2022.
Belgium's move aligns with broader employment goals, aiming for an 80% employment rate by 2030 to maintain pension affordability and potential tax reforms.
In Scotland, some public services began experimenting with a four-day workweek this month, indicating a growing trend towards this new working pattern.