Four-day work week test hailed as success
Companies taking part found their employees were happier and healthier
Last updated 22nd Feb 2023
A six-month trial which saw 61 companies across the country, including Essex, try out a four-day week has been hailed as a success.
The research, conducted by a team at the University of Cambridge, found that a four-day work week reduced employee stress and illness, and helped with worker retention.
What were the results?
71% of employees said they experienced lower levels of burnout, and almost 40% said they were less stressed compared to the start of the trial.
Researchers also found there was a 65% reduction in sick days, and 57% fall in the number of staff leaving year on year.
And despite employees working fewer hours for the same pay, companies didn't find it impacted their revenue.
56 of the 61 companies are now intending to continue with a four-day work week.
A sociologist's point of view
Boroka Bo is a sociologist and lecturer at the University of Essex. Whilst she's in favour of the idea, she has said it's important to make sure all different types of workers get access to the scheme.
According to Boroka it's likely that "white-collar workers" would get to try out the four-day work week but people like "nurses, doctors, and educators" shouldn't be left behind.
She added women are less likely to benefit from the scheme because of "children rearing and household responsibilities" that mean their "work week might never end."
But when it comes to a timeline, Boroka isn't convinced we'll be seeing a four-day work week soon: "I'm hopeful it could be mainstream.
"But I don't see it happening anytime in the near future because companies are moving backwards again since the pandemic."