Would A Four Day Work Week Be Suitable For My Business?

Many of the organisations who took part in the six-month trial of the four-day week have opted to stay with the new working pattern following positive results.

It has been revealed that of the 61 UK businesses that entered the six-month trial, 18 said they would remain with the four-day working week on a permanent basis. A further 38 organisations have said that they are going to continue with the trial.

The findings of the trial will be presented to MPs to encourage members of Parliament to allow all UK workers a 32-hour working week.

Director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, Joe Ryle, referred to the trial as a “major breakthrough moment”, adding:

Why was the four-day work week study?

The UK pilot, promoted by 4 Day Week Global and overseen by the thinktank, Autonomy, and a team of academics, ran from June to December 2022. It included companies from office-based software developers and recruitment companies to charities and small hospitality businesses. The trial saw workers retain 100% of their wages and only work 80% of their normal hours. Additionally, participating organisations were offered workshops and mentoring to assist them in re-evaluating their working practices.

Survey results from the trial showed that of the 2,900 UK employees who took part:

Additionally, the number of sick days taken during the trial dropped by around two-thirds, and 57% less staff left the organisations taking part in comparison with the same period the previous year.

Previous similar studies have taken place in recent years, including a trial in Iceland that saw overwhelmingly successful results and has led to many employees working fewer hours without reduced pay.

Similarly, the Belgian Government announced that it has overhauled its employment laws, which include the legal right for workers to make a request to work the same number of hours in a compressed four-day week. If an organisation refuses such a request, which it is permitted to do, it will have to justify its reasoning for the refusal in writing.

The lead researcher on the UK pilot, economist, and sociologist at Boston College, Juliet Schor, based the campaign on the idea that in any given workday, particularly in white-collar businesses, there are stretches of low productivity that can be cut without harming the business and would result in fewer sickness days and staff resignations. However, it has been acknowledged that this method may not work for every business and industry, with others also expressing their scepticism.

I’m considering implementing a four-day work week for my business and employees, what process should I follow?

Before rolling out a new working pattern, such as a four-day work week, it’s important for employers to understand what they are trying to achieve by implementing it, as well as what the potential impact it may have on their business.

First and foremost, employers should consider if their business is the right kind of company for a four-day week to work. Those that are client- or customer service-based are less likely to be suitable for this model. If a business is still to go ahead with a four-day work week, assessing which days each worker has off will be the next step, to accommodate a business that is required to be open five, six, or even seven days a week.

If an employer goes ahead and trials it, it’s possible the change could turn into a permanent one. Overtly and consciously reserving the right to revert the policy and go back to the regular five-day week is an excellent measure to take to protect the business against employees should the new scheme not work out in the long term.

It is also a good idea to hold a consultation with members of staff to canvass their views, opinions, and apprehensions. Additionally, a four-day policy will affect employment policies, contracts, and terms and conditions, such as annual leave entitlement, so it is important to highlight this during consultations to inform employees to determine their views.

Businesses and employees across the UK will no doubt be keeping a close eye on any further developments once the findings of the trial have been considered by Parliament.