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30 Summer 2022 T he not-for-profit group, 4 Day Week Global, has begun a six-month pilot of a four-day working week, in which around 70 employers across the UK are taking part, with around 3,300 employees affected by the study. The study is inspired by other international countries such as Denmark and Sweden, where a four-day working week is more common practice. Participating companies are using the formula of 80:100 during their trials, meaning employees work 80% of their normal contracted hours but still receive 100% of their normal pay, in exchange for maintaining 100% of their normal productivity. Companies participating cover a wide range of industries, including education, workplace consultancy, housing, skincare, building and construction recruitment services, hospitality, and digital marketing. ADVANTAGES Productivity is one of the key advantages offered. Allowing employees to work a more compressed week actually increases their efficiency. If an employee is overworked, their normal week can feel long, tiresome, and less productive, which affects the volume and quality of work produced. Employees also achieve a better work life balance with three days per week free for their personal life, family, friends, and hobbies. Many companies have already adopted a hybrid working approach for office-type roles as a result of the recent COVID 19 pandemic and have already seen the benefits of promoting a healthy work life balance. These can include an increase in workplace productivity and commitment. In terms of commitment to an organisation, the traditional 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, working model is becoming less appealing to more recent generations. By adopting a four-day working week, employees can focus on aspects of life outside of the workplace, allowing more As pilot scheme is launched, we assess the potential advantages and disadvantages for employers. FOUR DAY WEEK “Many companies have already adopted a hybrid working approach for o ce-type roles as a result of the recent COVID 19 pandemic and have already seen the bene ts of promoting a healthy work life balance.”