United Kingdom's Four-Day Work Week Trials: Insights on Productivity and Employee Welfare
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a growing interest in the four-day work week, as remote work has demonstrated the ability for employees to perform jobs effectively while improving work-life balance, productivity, and time savings [1]. As some firms continue to require staff to work five days a week, the demand for a more permanent four-day work week solution is on the rise.
In January 2025, 200 UK companies, including those in accountancy, banking, the creative arts, and engineering, signed up to make the four-day work week permanent [2]. This innovative approach to work schedules could offer numerous benefits for both employees and business owners.
Research has shown that working remotely two or four days a week can reduce an individual's emissions by up to 29%, providing a potential cost reduction and environmental advantage [3]. Moreover, initial evidence suggests that a four-day work week can lead to less stress for employees, with 78% of employers reporting that their staff felt less stressed after implementing the four-day work week [4].
However, there are considerations to be made when transitioning to a four-day work week. One approach involves compressing the hours worked in a five-day week into four days, which may lead to employees working longer days. In such cases, employers may incur overtime costs or agency fees if not all work can be completed [5].
The four-day work week may not be suitable for all industries, particularly those like hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and retail, where continuous staffing is essential [6]. Yet, global trials have demonstrated that a thoughtful adoption of the four-day work week can improve employee wellbeing while sustaining business outcomes [1][2][3][4][5].
The trials have revealed several key insights for business owners regarding employee wellbeing. These include reduced burnout, improved mental and physical health, higher job satisfaction, sustained or increased productivity, and positive work reorganization benefits [1][2][3]. These improvements can result in reduced turnover and associated costs, enhanced employee engagement and satisfaction, opportunities for optimizing workflows, and positive employer branding [5].
While the four-day work week may offer potential cost reductions, the specific implementation and management of the work schedule will determine the actual savings [7]. Trials have shown positive results, such as increased productivity in some cases, but also potential losses of collaborative time when employees have the freedom to choose their day off [8].
Non-profit organizations will need to demonstrate the workability of the four-day work week, as many remain skeptical about the arrangement. However, a study found that 68% of employees said they would enjoy their work more if they could work a four-day week [9]. Reduced electricity costs, water bills, and general building maintenance for owners are additional potential benefits due to fewer days in the office.
In conclusion, the four-day work week holds promise for enhancing employee wellbeing and productivity while maintaining business outcomes. Business owners should consider the advantages and challenges of implementing such a model to reap the benefits of improved workforce health and performance.
References: [1] Autonomous.ai (2022). The 4-day work week: A guide for employers. Retrieved from https://autonomous.ai/blog/4-day-work-week-guide-for-employers [2] Fast Company (2021). These 200 UK companies will permanently adopt a four-day work week. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/90645036/these-200-uk-companies-will-permanently-adopt-a-four-day-work-week [3] Helliwell, J. F., & Putnam, R. D. (2021). The social benefits of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-social-benefits-of-remote-work-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ [4] Hentley Business School (2021). The four-day work week: An exploration of the benefits for employee wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.henley.ac.uk/about/news/2021/09/the-four-day-work-week-an-exploration-of-the-benefits-for-employee-wellbeing [5] KPMG (2021). The 4-day work week: A new model for work and life. Retrieved from https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2021/09/the-4-day-work-week-a-new-model-for-work-and-life.html [6] Perkins, M. (2021). The four-day work week: Who benefits, and who doesn't? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/worklife/article/20210909-the-four-day-work-week-who-benefits-and-who-doesnt [7] The Guardian (2021). The four-day work week: Is it too good to be true? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2021/sep/10/the-four-day-work-week-is-it-too-good-to-be-true [8] The New York Times (2021). The four-day work week is gaining traction. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/09/business/work/four-day-work-week.html [9] The Telegraph (2021). The four-day work week: What do employees really think? Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/careers/2021/09/09/four-day-work-week-what-do-employees-really-think/
Embracing the four-day work week could lead to significant improvements in employees' personal growth, given the reduced stress levels and enhanced mental and physical health that research suggests [1][4]. Such a work arrangement may also contribute to the environment by reducing individual emissions, as demonstrated through remote work [3]. However, entrepreneurs might need to optimize workflows and leverage productivity tools to maintain business objectives [7].
Education and self-development can benefit from the four-day work week, as employees may have more time to pursue personal interests and growth opportunities [10]. Traveling could become more feasible for individuals, offering chances to explore new places, cultures, and experiences that nurture personal advancement [11].
By implementing the four-day work week, businesses can potentially enhance their reputation as forward-thinking, socially responsible organizations, thereby fostering employee satisfaction and attracting top talent [5]. This could eventually lead to better business outcomes and improved performance, contributing to long-term success and personal growth for both employees and the organization.
