NEW 4-DAY WEEK TRIAL BEGINS

Some 17 UK businesses, encompassing over 1,000 staff, are taking part in the second four-day week pilot scheme from this week. The trial is once again being led by the 4 Day Week Campaign, which will present the findings from the pilot to the Labour Government next summer.

The companies involved in the trial will mostly implement the four-day week, although some have opted to test a shorter working week or a nine-day fortnight, in which workers get an extra day off every two weeks. Four more businesses will join the trial later.

Nearly 200 British businesses have switched to a four-day week permanently, according to the 4 Day Week Campaign, which is run by a non-profit organisation and launched in 2022. 

Results from the last trial revealed:

• Almost every company (92%) that took part has decided to continue with the four-day week after the pilot. Of the 61 companies that participated, at least 56 are continuing with the four-day week, with 18 saying the policy is a permanent change.
• The vast majority of companies were satisfied that business performance and productivity were maintained.
• Over the six-month trial period, stress and burnout for employees both significantly declined, with 71% of employees reporting lower levels of burnout.
• Reported levels of anxiety, fatigue and sleep issues decreased, while mental and physical health both experienced improvements.
• Measures of work-life balance improved. Respondents found it easier to balance their work with both family and social commitments and were more satisfied with their household finances, relationships and how their time was being managed.
• Other key business metrics showed signs of positive effects. Companies’ revenue stayed broadly the same, rising by 1.4% on average.
• There was a substantial decline (57%) in the likelihood that an employee would quit, dramatically improving job retention.
• There was a 65% reduction in the number of sick days.

You can find out more about the 4-Day Week Campaign here.