Over the last few years, the proposal of a four-day work week has gained significant popularity around the world. The notion has largely been driven by shifts in workforce expectation, and the desire for a work-life balance.

Those who are keen to implement this working model have argued that the four-day approach can actually improve productivity. By prioritising the well-being of employees through a healthy split between work and personal life, employees will feel more motivated and energised to perform at their best.

Countries In Favour Of A Four-Day Work Week

There are quite a few countries who are considering the implementation of a four-day work week. Some are already in the process of testing it.

Iceland has lead the shift, conducting large-scale trials between 2015 and 2019 with more than 2,500 workers as participants. The outcome was considered successful, with most of the candidates sharing that their work-life balanced improved without sacrificing their productivity at work.

In Belgium, workers have won the right to request a compressed four-day week without a reduction in their overall hours, giving them more flexibility.

Both Scotland and Wales have also proposed trials, supported by the government, to test the feasibility of shorter work weeks.

Overall, it has been a widely-recognised shift and more countries are expected to follow suit in the coming years.

The Benefits Of A Four-Day Work Week

Implementing a four-day work week stands to benefit not only employees, but employers too. It even has environmental advantages which support sustainability efforts.

It Can Improve Employee Productivity

Research has long indicated that working smarter, not longer, is the way to go. A 2022 trial in the United Kingdom, with 60 participants, showed that a reduction in work hours with no pay cuts resulted in an average increase in productivity of 15%.

Moreover, workers were more focused during working hours, minimising distractions which overall improved the productivity of the companies.

It Can Enhance Employee Well-Being

Mental health and burnout continue to be constant challenges in a modern workplace. A shorter work week would mean that employees have more time to rest, pursue personal interests, and spend quality time with loved ones.

This holistic way of thinking about well-being cuts down on absenteeism and long-term health issues. Additionally, employers may even see a decrease in employee turnover. It’s natural for employees who feel that their health is a priority to the company are more likely to stay at the company long-term.

Less Commuting Supports The Environment

With a four-day work week, employees are not required to do the daily commute to the office and back. This can reduce the carbon emissions emitted from cars and public transport, improving sustainability efforts.

According to the UK government, 5% of the country’s total emissions in 2023 were generated by the public’s work commute. Reducing the number of work days in the week is one way of reducing the country’s overall emissions.

Are There Challenges With A Four-Day Work Week?

The transition to a four-day work week will face a number of challenges, particularly for employers and certain industries. For companies, especially SMEs, the shift can be quite expensive if pay is kept unchanged while reducing hours.

Industries as retail, health care or hospitality, where there is direct interaction with customers, face even more complications. Implementing a four-day schedule in these industries would require changes such as staggered shifts, making workforce management far more complicated. 

Moreover, not all employees and roles will allow for the adjustment to a four-day week which will add to the challenges.

How Could It Be Implemented?

If the UK was to move forward with adopting a four-day work week, the first step would be to implement a trial period. This will test the feasibility of it before it becomes a permanent change.

Each company would need a personalised approach depending on their industry, as well as identifying how flexible hours or compressed schedules could accommodate it.

It would be easier for companies who are not client-facing to convert, especially if they have smaller teams and overheads. For larger companies or client-serving ones, it will be a trickier process to navigate.

Is The UK Ready For The Shift?

The UK certainly has the interest and resources to implement a four-day working week, but it would require considerate planning before it could be successfully rolled out.

If the challenges of the four-day work week could be addressed, the UK could even be a pioneer in leading the way for a more modern work approach.

A shorter work week may not be one-size-fits-all, but its potential to revolutionise productivity, well-being, and sustainability should not be overlooked.