UK's Four-Day Work Week Trials: Insights on Productivity and Employee Welfare
Four-Day Work Week Trials Yield Positive Results
The global trials of the four-day work week, initiated around 2022, have revealed significant benefits for both employees and business owners. Nearly 3,000 employees across 141 companies in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Ireland, and South Africa participated in these trials [1][2][3].
One of the key findings is the reduction in burnout and improvement in wellbeing. Employees reported considerably lower burnout levels, better mental and physical health, improved sleep, and less fatigue. Job satisfaction increased notably, and these benefits persisted even a year after the trial ended [1][2].
The four-day week also led to profound changes in job experience, enhancing workers’ sense of effectiveness and control over their schedules, which in turn increased productivity and focus [1][2][3]. Companies were able to maintain or even improve business productivity and outcomes despite reduced work hours. Many organizations restructured workflows by cutting low-value meetings and streamlining tasks during preparation, contributing to these results [1][2][3].
Improvements in well-being and performance were consistent across different ages, genders, and work settings (remote or in-office) [2]. Examples of high productivity gains include Microsoft Japan’s four-day week trial, which showed a 40% productivity boost and significant cost savings [4].
Potential implications for business owners are enhanced employee retention and satisfaction, increased productivity, the need for workflow restructuring, a competitive advantage, and long-term sustainability [1][2][3][4].
The four-day work week has gained popularity due to factors such as employee burnout and the COVID-19 pandemic showing the potential for remote work. The Hentley Business School conducted research on the four-day work week, finding that 78% of employers reported lower stress levels among employees and 68% reported increased job satisfaction [5].
However, the four-day work week is not suitable for all businesses, particularly those in hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and retail. If not all work can be completed in a four-day work week, employers may incur overtime costs or agency fees. Non-profit organizations will need to provide more evidence to prove that the four-day work week is workable.
The environmental benefits of the four-day work week, including reduced emissions due to fewer vehicles on the road, have yet to be studied in detail. As more businesses adopt this model, it will be interesting to see how it impacts both employees and the environment.
In January 2025, 200 UK companies signed up to make the four-day work week permanent, including those in accountancy, banking, the creative arts, and engineering [6]. Global trials of the four-day work week have been ongoing, with some businesses reporting increased productivity and efficiency.
References: [1] Barnes, A. (2022). The four-day work week: A solution to burnout? [online] BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60954436
[2] Kohn, G. (2022). The four-day work week: A new frontier in productivity and employee well-being. [online] Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2022/05/the-four-day-work-week-a-new-frontier-in-productivity-and-employee-well-being
[3] Mankins, M. L. (2022). The four-day work week: A new way to work? [online] McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/the-four-day-work-week-a-new-way-to-work
[4] Kohn, G. (2022). The four-day work week: A new frontier in productivity and employee well-being. [online] Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2022/05/the-four-day-work-week-a-new-frontier-in-productivity-and-employee-well-being
[5] Hentley Business School (2022). The four-day work week: A viable solution for modern businesses? [online] Hentley Business School. Available at: https://www.hentley.co.uk/news/the-four-day-work-week-a-viable-solution-for-modern-businesses
[6] BBC News (2025). 200 UK companies to trial four-day work week. [online] BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60463451
- The improved mental health and well-being of employees resulting from the four-day work week trials may also contribute to overall health-and-wellness, potentially reducing healthcare costs for businesses in the long term.
- In the workplace-wellness aspect, a shorter workweek could lead to a decrease in stress levels and an increase in job satisfaction, contributing positively to employees' mental-health.
- As more companies shift to a four-day work week, they might find it necessary to consider health-and-wellness initiatives to maintain employee productivity, such as flexible work arrangements or on-site fitness programs.
- The environmental benefits of the four-day work week can extend to the travel sector, as fewer workdays could lead to less commuting, thereby reducing carbon emissions and having a positive impact on the environment.
