Keeping in balance: 4 day working week trial


17th August 2023

In June 2022, a 6-month trial commenced where full-time employees had the opportunity to reduce their hours to a 4-day working week, without a drop in salary, provided that they maintained 100% output. At the end of the trial, 30% of participating employers said they would make the change permanent, with the majority extending the shorter working week in some way.

Employers reported that productivity had been maintained or increased, that sickness absence had reduced and there were benefits for retention and recruitment. Of the participating staff, 54% said they found it easier to balance work and home responsibilities, with 39% reported reduced stress levels and 40% better sleep.

However, whilst the trial has demonstrated that it can work across a wide range of businesses, employers should think carefully before rushing in.

Blake Morgan Senior Associate Madeleine Mould considers the wide range of issues employers should address in an article first published in Reward Strategy digital magazine issue 242.

Read the article in full here.

Specialists in employment law

Speak to one of our experts for astute advice and legal representation

Arrange a call

Enjoy That? You Might Like These:


articles

10 April -
Many employers provide generous death benefits for their staff, commonly insured lump sum benefits calculated as multiples of gross salary at the time of any death in service. In the... Read More

newsletters

2 April -
April is the usual month for increases in a wide range of statutory rates and limits. This year is no exception. However, we also have the introduction of the new... Read More

articles

2 April -
The UK immigration system is in transition from physical documents to prove immigration status (such as biometric residence cards and permits) to a digitised immigration system. On 1 November 2024,... Read More