‘Incredible!’
‘A resounding success!’
‘A game changer.’
‘A major breakthrough…’
‘Overwhelming positive results…’
‘It’s a weight lifted…’
‘I feel more relaxed…’
In case you’re not sure what’s being talked about – actually, it’s probably the most-talked about topic by employers and employees across the UK right now – it’s the results of a 4-day week pilot program that’s just finished.
The traditional 5 day working week that’s been a part of industry for over a century was challenged and the startling results have been revealed. But what makes the trial such a resounding success is that 92% of the companies that took part in the trial are continuing with a 4-day week.
What was the 4-day week trial?
A group called 4 Day Week Global have been campaigning for the 4-day week for the last five years. In early 2022, and collaborating with Autonomy as well as researchers at Oxford University, Cambridge University and Boston College, they invited UK companies to join the six month program to trial a 4-day week.
The aim of the trial was to measure the impact of reduced hours on productivity, assess the wellbeing of employees, as well as considering how it affected gender equality and the environment. As part of the commitment to the trial, employees had to follow a “100:80:100 model of work”, i.e. 100% of the pay for 80% of the time – and maintain a minimum of 100% productivity.
61 companies from banking, IT and consultancy businesses to retail and recruitment groups, encompassing just over 2,900 employees signed up in June 2022; all worked one day a week less but stayed on the same pay.
Following two months of preparation, which included coaching, workshops and mentoring, companies were able to tailor a 4-day week policy that suited their industry, organisational structure and work culture. The researchers gathered data over the trial period from employer and employee surveys, a series of interviews before, during and after the trial, as well as measurements taken from milestones reached.
The 4-day week trial – the results!
This week, Autonomy released the results of the six month trial, which ended in December 2022, and the findings were astounding. The key findings included:
- 92% (56 companies) found the trial so successful that they are continuing with the 4-day week; 18 of those companies have confirmed the 4-day week policy is a permanent change.
- 39% of employees report feeling less stressed.
- 71% of employees had reduced levels of burnout, as well as lower levels of tiredness and anxiety.
- The majority of those taking part reported fewer sleep issues, as well as improved physical and mental health.
- 54% of employees said they found it easier to balance work and home life, being happier about their household finances, relationships and time management.
- 60% of employees found it easier to combine their paid jobs with care responsibilities.
- 62% of employees said it was easier to combine work with their social lives.
But it wasn’t just employees that benefited from a 4-day week; employers also reported very positive results, including:
- Companies reported revenues rose by 1.4% on average over the six month trial; but when compared to a similar period in previous years, revenue increased by 35% on average, indicating healthy growth over a working time reduction.
- Staff leaving the companies taking part in the trial dropped significantly, by as much at 57%, during the trial period.
- Companies also reported two-thirds fewer sick days than the same period in 2021, higher job retention and recruitment, and productivity maintained, although many reported an increase.
With so many of the participating companies hailing the 4-day week trial a success, the 4 Day Week Group says… “we would now like to see many more employers taking the plunge and trying out a 4-day week.” They will also be reporting the results to the government, encouraging them to change legislation to give employees the right to request a 4-day week.
Ed Siegel, Chief Executive at Charity Bank and one of the first banks in the UK to trial a 4-day week, acknowledged that the pandemic moved the goalposts in terms of flexible working. This made moving to a 4-day week a natural step for them. He added:
“The 20th century concept of a 5-day working week is no longer the best fit for 21st century business. We firmly believe that a 4-day week with no change to salary or benefits will create a happier workforce, and will have an equally positive impact on business productivity, customer experience and our social mission.”
This trial is bringing businesses into the modern, digital working world. With so many of the Sandwich Generation having to juggle a million different aspects of their life with their work commitments, and many over 50s looking to get back to work, the positive results from the 4-day week trial could be the catalyst to a changing workplace for all.Auxato is a leading executive search and recruitment firm in the UK specialising in the communications, marketing and PR sectors. We are proud of our ability to develop career long relationships with our candidates and clients, working towards a 21st century future. Check out our website to view our latest jobs and discover how we can successfully work together.