Keeping in balance: 4 day working week trial

In June 2022, a 6-month trial commenced where full-time employees had the opportunity to reduce their hours to a 4-day working week, without a drop in salary, provided that they maintained 100% output. At the end of the trial, 30% of participating employers said they would make the change permanent, with the majority extending the shorter working week in some way.

Employers reported that productivity had been maintained or increased, that sickness absence had reduced and there were benefits for retention and recruitment. Of the participating staff, 54% said they found it easier to balance work and home responsibilities, with 39% reported reduced stress levels and 40% better sleep.

However, whilst the trial has demonstrated that it can work across a wide range of businesses, employers should think carefully before rushing in.

Blake Morgan Senior Associate Madeleine Mould considers the wide range of issues employers should address in an article first published in Reward Strategy digital magazine issue 242.

Read the article in full here.