A good work-life balance is something many of us aspire to, whether you’re a business owner or employee. So, what can we learn from the recent trials for the four-day work week that changes how we go about our lives?

Companies in countries including Spain, Belgium and Japan have all tested out a shorter working week. February saw the end of a six-month trial for a four-day week in the UK and the results may come as a surprise.

How does a four-day week work?

Thought to be the world’s biggest pilot scheme into this working pattern, the experiment involving 70 companies wasn’t about cramming five days’ work into four. 

The trial saw 3,000 people work fewer hours for no reduction in pay to see if they were more productive.

Is a standard week the most productive?

The current work week grew out of the 19th century when working in a factory was the norm. Tech has massively changed how we work. Many processes have sped up and because of an increase in office work, it might not follow that longer hours equal more productivity.

Some of the world’s most productive countries like Norway, the Netherlands and Germany work an average of around 27 hours – roughly the same number proposed for the four-day work week.

Japan, known for overworked employees, ranks 20 out of 35 countries for productivity. 

What the trial results showed

At the end of the trial, almost all of the 61 employers (including a brewery and a fish and chip shop) were keen to keep the new pattern. 

One firm ditched unproductive meetings and unnecessary travel, and staff managed their time more effectively which led to higher productivity in less time. In short, the reward of less time at work gave staff an incentive to be more productive. Staff were also happier and less tired, and the firm has seen a dramatic increase in enquiries about vacancies.

Benefits of a shorter week

A study carried out by Stanford University showed overworked employees are actually less productive than employees working an average or normal working week. A four-day week would mean staff could spend more time with their family and offer opportunities to those currently unable to work due to childcare commitments.

More time to rest, less stress and sick leave, and better engagement are also potential benefits. There’s extra time for healthy habits, and the potential for better sleep and mental health. Commuting can be reduced and energy in workplaces saved, leading to a smaller carbon footprint.

Ideas that can benefit your business 

A four-day model certainly won’t suit every company. However, it’s possible to incorporate some of the findings from the study into your business’s culture.

Elevating the emphasis on wellness and flexibility within the company can send a powerful message about your workplace culture. Salary sacrifice schemes allow staff to buy or sell holidays to fit around their specific needs or to work flexibly.

Reviewing meetings and unnecessary travel can improve productivity for your staff. And offering a range of employee benefits that make them feel valued, supported and recognised can also make everyone feel happier and work more productively.

Enjoy Benefits offers a complete package of staff benefits from childcare vouchers to employee rewards, discounts for days out and reduced gym membership. 

There are opportunities to save on the costs of a new car or bicycle and a range of health and medical benefits, all of which can help your company to be greener and your staff even more happy, healthy and less stressed. 

You can browse all our benefits here: Benefits for Employers and Employees

About Us

At Enjoy Benefits, we have great experience in helping companies of all sizes introduce benefits that are suitable for their workplace.

Benefits are easy to set up and ongoing administration is then run through a hub, allowing employees to manage their own benefits while the employer can see which benefits are proving popular and what level of take-up each has had.

If you would like an obligation-free chat to discuss which benefits might work for your business and your employees, please contact us by calling 0800 088 7315 or using our Contact Form.