Majority of Companies Make Four-Day Working Week Permanent After Successful Trial, Report Finds

Almost all of the 61 British companies involved in a six-month trial of a four-day work week have made the policy permanent, with many reporting positive impacts on staff wellbeing and recruitment. Project managers and CEOs described the effects as "very positive." The findings were published by think tank Autonomy, indicating long-lasting positive effects of shorter working hours. However, concerns were raised about conditions and expectations surrounding the additional day off. Staff reported added stress and feelings of inequity in companies where the day off was weakly guaranteed or conditional. Despite these issues, most employees prioritized quality time for the weekend on their day off. Autonomy's director of research, Will Stronge, emphasized that the improvements in physical and mental health, work-life balance, and life satisfaction were maintained one year on.

Company Responses

Many companies have reported positive impacts on staff wellbeing and recruitment after the implementation of the four-day work week.

Concerns and Considerations

However, concerns were raised about the conditions and expectations surrounding the additional day off, leading to added stress and feelings of inequity among staff in some companies.