Gaby
A six-month experiment, from June to December 2022, showed a four-day workweek is feasible.
The study was conducted by experts from the Autonomy think tank, along with 4 Day Week Global, the 4 Day Week Campaign, and researchers from the University of Cambridge (UK) and Boston College (USA).
Approximately 2,900 managers and employees from both large and small companies in sectors such as financial services, retail, consulting, residential construction, IT, marketing, hospitality, and recruitment participated in the study. Employees maintained their usual salaries while working 20% fewer hours.
Surveys conducted at the end of the experiment revealed that productivity levels remained unchanged. About 39% of employees reported significantly lower levels of stress and fatigue, while 71% reported a drop in burnout. Participants also reported improvements in both physical and mental health, and the number of sick days taken fell by 65%.
Participants used their work hours more efficiently and improved relationships with colleagues.
About 60% said balancing work with household responsibilities and personal life became much easier. Employees had more free time on weekends instead of chores. Parents of school-aged children gained extra hours with their kids, the Daily Mail reported.
Managers reported company revenues rose slightly, by an average of 1.4%.
After the trial, 92% of participating companies said they intended to adopt a four-day workweek, and 30% said they’d already made the switch.
Why researchers launched the trial
A 2021 survey found three-quarters of British white-collar workers had considered quitting their jobs because of burnout, toxic workplaces, and poor work-life balance.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees shifted to more flexible schedules, and the traditional five-day workweek started to feel outdated.
A post-pandemic study found three out of four Britons wanted a four-day workweek, citing the rising cost of living (including commuting) and challenges with childcare and eldercare.
The trial was also inspired by other countries’ experiences with shorter workweeks.
Between 2015 and 2019, Iceland tested a four-day workweek with 2,500 employees and reported “stunning success.”
Japanese companies are increasingly adopting a four-day week to improve employees’ work-life balance.
