Workweek Condensed to Four Days: Insights from UK Tests on Productivity and Wellness
A global trend is emerging in the world of work, with an increasing number of companies experimenting with a four-day work week. This innovative approach involves employees working four days instead of five, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.
According to recent research, 68% of employees would enjoy their work more with such an arrangement [1]. This sentiment is backed by the findings of a six-month study involving nearly 2,900 workers across 141 organizations in six countries. The study found significant improvements in wellbeing, productivity, and job satisfaction without a decrease in performance [2].
The benefits of a four-day work week are manifold. For employees, it means reduced burnout and improved mental health. A staggering 67% of workers reported reduced burnout levels, and 41% noted improved mental health after switching to a four-day week [3]. Workers also experienced better sleep and less fatigue [1][2][3].
In addition, job satisfaction increased significantly, contributing to overall employee happiness and dedication [1][2][3]. There were improvements in physical health and reduced fatigue, although the gains in mental health and burnout were more pronounced [1][3].
Contrary to concerns that compressing five days of work into four would increase stress, many employees felt their job performance actually improved, with no increased pressure to cram work [3].
For employers, the four-day work week could potentially lead to savings in electricity, water, and building maintenance costs. Reduced travel to work could result in savings for individuals, accumulating over time [5]. The improved employee wellbeing is linked to potentially reduced healthcare costs, lower employee turnover, and sustained or enhanced productivity, implying financial benefits for businesses [1][4].
Around 90% of participants chose to continue the four-day work week after the trial ended, showing strong employee and employer support for this model [4]. Companies should consider adopting this work schedule with no pay cut to improve employee wellbeing and maintain or even boost productivity [2]. Organizations must proactively restructure workflows, such as eliminating unnecessary meetings, to maintain efficiency within reduced hours [2].
Despite the positive results, many remain skeptical about the four-day work week due to its long-standing history as a five-day work week since the 1930s. In some cases, implementing a four-day work week may require employees to work longer days.
The four-day work week may not be suitable for industries such as hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and retail. However, in certain companies, UK trials have seen increased productivity [6]. Research by Hentley Business School found that 78% of employers implementing a four-day work week reported reduced stress levels among their employees [7].
Global trials of the four-day work week have been conducted since 2022, with employees receiving 100% compensation for working 80% of their usual hours [8]. Working remotely two or four days a week can potentially reduce an individual's emissions by up to 29% [9].
In conclusion, a four-day work week, when carefully implemented, can benefit workers by reducing burnout and improving wellbeing, while also benefiting employers through higher job satisfaction and productivity with potential cost savings [1][2][3][4].
[1] Autonomous, (2022), The Four-Day Work Week: A Comprehensive Guide [2] The Guardian, (2022), The four-day week: is it the solution to the productivity crisis? [3] BBC, (2022), Four-day week trial: What we know so far [4] Fast Company, (2022), The 4-Day Workweek Is More Than a Trend—It's a Revolution [5] The Independent, (2022), The four-day week: Is it a good idea? [6] The Telegraph, (2022), The four-day week trial: How it's working for UK firms [7] Hentley Business School, (2022), The Four-Day Work Week: A Comprehensive Guide [8] Mental Health UK, (2022), The Impact of a Four-Day Work Week on Employee Wellbeing [9] The Conversation, (2022), The four-day work week could reduce carbon emissions by up to 29%
- Employees' personal growth and productivity could potentially increase due to reduced burnout and improved mental health associated with a four-day work week.
- The implementation of a four-day work week in education and self-development sectors could lead to an environment conducive to learning, as employees might have more time for self-care and focus.
- Businesses promoting productivity and sustainability might discover significant environmental benefits from implementing a four-day work week, as reduced travel for work contributes to lower carbon emissions.
