Last year, 61 companies in the United Kingdom (UK) took part in the world’s largest test of a four-day work week. The results were so positive that 92% of the companies are planning to keep the new schedule.
In much of the world, a five-day work week – usually Monday through Friday – is common. But in some places, people are exploring the idea of paying workers the same amount for working just four days a week.
The idea isn’t new, but businesses have been slow to try it. They may be worried about getting less work for their money, or that it could cause other troubles.
But the results of last year’s experiment, run by the University of Cambridge, suggest the move may be good for both businesses and workers.
Last June, 61 UK companies agreed to try giving their workers a four-day work week. In return, they asked their workers to try to do as much in four days as they usually did in five.
Many different kinds of businesses took part, including online stores, computer technology companies, advertising companies, and even a fish restaurant. Some companies were small, while others had around 1,000 workers.
The companies found different ways of giving workers an extra day off. Most companies simply gave workers Fridays off. Others chose Mondays, or had different workers take different days off.
The experiment ran for six months, and turned out to be good for most businesses.
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The number of days that workers were out sick dropped by 65%. On average, 57% fewer people quit their jobs during the four-day work week trial. What’s more, the companies made more money – about 1.4% on average.
How did workers do more in less time? Some companies cut meetings, or made sure they were shorter. Others used technology to help workers get more done quickly. Some companies created a “focus time” so workers could work on just one thing without being interrupted.
In general, workers said the four-day work week left them feeling less tired. About 71% said they felt less “burnt out” with their new work hours, and 39% said they felt less stressed. On average, 73% of the workers were more satisfied with the time they spent working.
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Workers reported that the extra day off allowed them to do more of what they loved. Some people said they were able to get more training or take care of things at home. Others said they were able to spend more time with their families.
University of Cambridge professor Brendan Burchell, who helped run the study, said, “A four-day week means a better working life and family life for so many people.”
At the end of the test, 92% of the companies involved said they planned to keep the four-day work week.
The leader of one company said that the shorter work week allowed people to feel relaxed, rested, and ready to “go for it”. “You start to realize,” he said, “That to go back to working on a Friday would feel really wrong – stupid actually.”