A new six month long pilot trial of the reduced working week is set to launch, two years after a previous trial found it to be a success for many employees
A fresh six-month pilot scheme for the four-day working week is about to kick off, hot on the heels of a successful stint in 2022. Back then, a whopping 30,000 staff and over sixty firms gave the shorter week a whirl, with a chorus of approval ringing out.
Fast forward two years, and 54 of those businesses have given the thumbs up to continue with the new schedule after listening to what their employees had to say.
This time around, the trial will see some 3,000 workers from a mix of 50 companies putting the four-day grind to the test over half a year, aiming to find out if it’s a good fit for the smaller fish as well as the big players from the last round. Those clocking in will do 20% less time but pocket their full wage.
The focus? To suss out if chopping a day off the calendar can boost productivity, happiness, and not throw a spanner in the works of business as usual, reports Wales Online.
Kate Palmer, the top dog for Employment Services at Peninsula, chipped in her two cents: “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.”
She added a note of caution, saying: “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.”
