the EZHR Weekly Update 2nd March 2023

The four-day working week has been the hot topic over the last year or so, and we've seen a number of businesses eulogise about its impact. So as ever, there's been a study, and the results are in.

In the last six months a trial of the four-day working week, with no reduction in pay, has taken place with more than 60 companies and over 3,000 workers. This was across various sectors to better understand its impact across industries.

The results have been fascinating with 92% of those saying that they wish to continue with the 4-day week in some form. Whether this is a permanent change (around 30%) or further trials of the program. There have been only five that have said explicitly that they don't wish to continue with the four-day week.

The outcomes of the reduced week have been mainly positive with a large number of participants reporting lower levels of stress, fewer reports of burnout and fatigue, increased attendance and improved retention rates.

While positive we need to consider that those undertaking the trial were supportive of the trial and this was largely "preaching to the choir". That said, the improvements can't be ignored and it asks the question should employers be considering more flexibility. Whether that is the same as this trial, condensed weeks or simply offering more flexibility.

One of the key things is that this doesn't work for all employers, with client or capacity requirements it's just not possible to facilitate such a change. That said, this has been the most positive set of data on this subject and the 4 Day Week Campaign have already presented its findings to MPs.

There are clear benefits to this, and it is important for employers to remember that this doesn't need to be Monday to Thursday, this can be cut up in different ways. But if you are looking to implement this then remember this needs to work for you as a business.

If you need any help on this then please don't hesitate to get in contact, you can find the details of the pilot here https://www.4dayweek.co.uk/pilot-programme