Results from the world’s biggest four-day working week pilot, which took place in the UK, have been revealed. During the six-month-long trial performance and productivity were in focus. Now companies open up about the outcome.
About 2,900 employees took part in the six-month trial of the four-day workweek, which kicked off at the beginning of June 2022. The pilot was run by 4 Day Week Global in partnership with Autonomy, the 4 Day Week Campaign, and researchers at the University of Cambridge and Boston College. The results of the report – published by Autonomy and the academic – show that almost every company (92%) that participated has decided to continue with the four-day workweek after the pilot – Facilitate Magazine reports.
Business performance and productivity
The vast majority of firms were satisfied that business performance and productivity were maintained over the six-month trial period. Out of the 61 participating companies, at least 56 are continuing with the four-day week. At 18 firms the new policy remains a permanent change.
Measures of work-life balance
The report reveals that respondents found it easier to balance their work with both family and social commitments, and were more satisfied with their household finances, relationships and time management. Reported levels of anxiety, fatigue and sleep issues decreased while mental and physical health both experienced improvements. Stress and burnout for employees both significantly declined, with 71% of employees reporting lower levels of burnout.
Key business metrics show positive effects
- Companies’ revenue stayed broadly the same, rising by 1.4% on average, the survey says.
- The likelihood that an employee would quit declined by a substantial 57% dramatically improving job retention.
- The number of sick days also dropped by a remarkable 65%.
“This is a major breakthrough moment for the movement towards a four-day working week. Across a wide variety of different sectors of the economy, these incredible results show that the four-day week with no loss of pay really works. Surely the time has now come to begin rolling it out across the country.” – Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week Campaign
