The traditional model of a five-day work week has been the norm for many decades, but ever increasingly, the four-day work week is being debated. This shift in working patterns raises many questions about its impact on businesses and employees.
This blog delves into a recent study by Autonomy, “Making It Stick: The UK Four-Day Week Pilot One Year On,”. The study examines the outcomes of the UK’s largest four-day week pilot, a year after its completion.
Key Findings of the Study
- Sustained Policy Adoption: A significant majority (89%) of the companies that participated in the pilot continued with the four-day work week policy a year later, with 51% making it a permanent change.
- Positive Impact on Organisations: Managers and CEOs across the board reported positive impacts on their organisations, including improvements in staff well-being, reduced turnover, and better recruitment outcomes.
- Employee Benefits: Employees reported sustained improvements in their physical and mental health, work-life balance, and overall life satisfaction. They also experienced decreased work intensity and increased job satisfaction.
- Diverse Policy Models: Companies adopted different models of the four-day work week. The most common were the universal day off (all employees have the same day off) and the staggered day off (different employees have different days off). Companies with a universal or staggered day off model had the highest success rate in making the policy permanent.
- Varying Levels of “Protection” for the Day Off: The level of “protection” for the day off varied across companies. Some companies offered a highly protected day off, while others had a weakly protected model where employees could still be contacted for work. Weakly protected models were associated with fewer benefits and increased stress for employees.
The study provides compelling evidence for the long-term benefits and sustainability of the four-day work week. The high rate of continued policy adoption and the positive feedback from both managers and employees suggest that the four-day work week is a viable option for businesses in various sectors. For some industries, such a scheme may not be viable.
However, the study also emphasises the importance of careful planning and implementation. Factors such as the level of protection for the day off and the specific model adopted can significantly influence the success of the policy. Companies considering a four-day work week should prioritise clear communication, employee input, and a confident rollout to ensure a smooth transition and maximise benefits.