From June 6, more than 3,300 workers at 70 UK companies have begun working four-day week with no loss in pay to be part of the pilot organized by 4 Day Week Global. This trial assumes 100% productivity in exchange for 80% of the time and includes participants from the local fish and chips shop to the large asset management firms.

So what?

With the pandemic, companies are beginning to recognize the value of quality of life and the trial will examine the impact on productivity with employees having an extra day off to improve stress levels and life satisfaction.

Such a move can have a trifecta effect with the businesses, employees, and the work environment improving. We have emerged from the pandemic with a growing need to focus on our holistic well-being and companies must examine the significant effect they can have on the conditions of their workforce, both at the office and in their home lives.

With the Great Resignation in 2021, the world saw historic numbers of workers voluntarily walking from their jobs, and most blamed burnout, unreasonable workloads, and dissatisfaction. This shift to a 4 day work week could help alleviate these pressures and could be complemented by other policies such as hybrid working or access to childcare support.