A four-day working week pilot is set to launch. But is it as good as it sounds?
- A new six-month long pilot trial of the four-day working week is set to launch, following a previous trial in 2022.
- Last time 30,000 employees and over sixty companies trialled a four-day working week, with many declaring it a success. Two years on 54 of those companies have decided to stick with the four-day working week following glowing feedback.
- This new trial will involve approximately 3,000 employees from across 50 businesses who will test a four-day working week over six months to see if it works for smaller companies, as opposed to the larger corporations targeted in the previous trial.
- Participating employees will work 80% of their current hours while receiving 100% of their pay. The trial will test whether a shorter work week impacts on productivity, wellbeing and business operations.
- Kate Palmer, Employment Services Director at Peninsula, says “Flexible working has been a hot topic for the new Labour government, with a pledge to make flexible working the default position, when reasonably practicable. However, whether this includes a four-day working week rather than a hybrid or remote working structure is unclear.
- “Whilst a four-day working week may be a welcome introduction to many workers, there are still practical challenges which employers need to be prepared for – and it may not suit every business model.
- “Businesses who offer flexible and hybrid working practices are finding themselves more able to attract talent whereas those who favour completely office-based roles can sometimes struggle with recruitment and retention. However, we have seen a drive with many employers back towards full time in office working.
- “A four-day work week is not without its challenges.
- “To make such a change, employers would first need to seek agreement from their staff and amend contracts and policies as necessary.
- “They would also need to review their working practices and put measures in place to enable staff to complete their work during these shorter hours.
- “Whilst a shorter working week sounds like it would be a positive for most employees, having to complete the same amount of work and hit the same productivity levels as previously can lead to increased work-related stress or burnout. It’s all about finding the balance that works for each individual business and the people within A four-day working week pilot is set to launch. But is it as good as it sounds?:
