UK

4 Day Work Week in the UK

Historically, the UK has had a traditional, 5 day work week. However, in 2022, the UK began a large 4 day work week pilot program. The program includes 70 UK businesses, over 3,300 employees, and covers over 30 fields of work.

The trial ran from June 2022 until December of 2022 and is the largest 4 day work week pilot program to date. Similar pilots are taking place in Ireland, the United States, Israel, and several other countries over the same period.

The trial is being conducted by the 4 Day Week Global organization, in conjunction with several other companies and researchers from Oxford, Cambridge, and Boston University.

Here are the results from this pilot study:

Business Outcomes

• 92% of companies continued with the 4-day week post-trial.
• Average revenue increased by 1.4% across participant companies.
• The trial was rated 8.3/10 by companies.
• Business performance and productivity both scored an average of 7.5/10.
• Staff attrition decreased by 57% over the trial period.

Employee Outcomes

• 90% of employees expressed a definite desire to continue with the 4-day week.
• 55% of employees reported an improvement in their work abilities.
• 15% stated they wouldn't accept a five-day schedule in their next role, regardless of the salary.

Health and Well-being

• 71% of employees experienced a reduction in burnout.
• Stress levels fell for 39% of participants.
• 43% of employees noted an improvement in mental health.
• 54% reported a decrease in negative emotions.
• Physical health improved for 37% of employees.
• 46% experienced reduced fatigue.
• Sleep problems decreased for 40% of participants.

Family and Household Life

• 73% of employees reported higher satisfaction with their time.
• 60% found it easier to balance paid work with caregiving responsibilities.
• Work-life balance improved, with 62% finding it easier to combine work with social life.
• Men's involvement in childcare increased by more than double that of women (27% vs. 13%).

Global Outlook

• The overall experience of the trials was rated an 8.5 out of 10.
• Business productivity and performance each scored a 7.5 out of 10.

Life and Job Satisfaction

• Both men and women showed improved outcomes on a 4-day week, with women’s improvements generally being greater.

Climate and Lifestyle

• Commuting time fell by 30 minutes per week across the sample.
• The extra day off was primarily used for hobbies, leisure, housework, caregiving, and personal upkeep, not for additional paid work.

UK’s Four-Day Week Pilot Under the Labour Government

Under the Labour government, the UK has launched its first official four-day week pilot, providing 1,000 workers with extra time off without a loss of pay. Led by the 4 Day Week Campaign, the trial includes 17 businesses, such as the British Society for Immunology and Crate Brewery in Hackney, with four more set to join.

The campaign aims to present its findings to the Labour government in the summer to support the adoption of shorter working weeks.

While some Labour leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, advocate for the four-day model, the party has not fully endorsed it yet. Businesses participating in the trial hope that the new work pattern will improve recruitment and employee well-being, showcasing the growing feasibility and benefits of a four-day workweek in the UK.