EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
The idea of a four-day working week is not a new concept , but it is still as polarising as ever . In July 2022 , the UK conducted a six-month test pilot that included 41 companies and saw a positive response . Of the companies involved in the trial , 88 % said that the arrangement was working well for them , with 86 % saying they ’ d likely keep it once the pilot is over . A few suggesting that it ’ s only a matter of time before it becomes the ‘ new normal ’.
As such , businesses across the UK should review the results from the trial and consider if it ’ s something that could work for their workforce . Fifteen percent of respondents have said that their productivity has significantly improved .
Also , our own research shows that 36 % of SMEs would prefer a better work / life balance to keep them engaged . So having a four-day week gives employees the flexibility they are looking for .
Interestingly , the five-day working week was something that was introduced centuries ago . However , this was at a time when , for many , there was the traditional family set-up , men would be working while women would focus on their work within the home and supporting the raising of the family . The world has changed significantly since , placing more importance on work / life balance and personal wellbeing , especially mental health .
In my opinion , the four-day work week could be a critical component to help to encourage a more equal workplace , allowing employees to have more time to be with their families and achieve a better work / life balance . This has become one of the top priorities for the workers , with recent research revealing more than two-thirds of employees see work / life balance as more important than pay . This is a clear sign that people are now prioritising their wellbeing as highly as other factors , like pay and benefits .
During the four-day week , most employees will most likely be expected to work the same 40- hour weeks , but in four days instead of five . This will need to be carefully approached , with leaders finding a sustainable way to support workers with their time to avoid overwhelming stress levels while balancing the needs of the business
The four-day working week would be a great thing for businesses to implement . However , this arrangement will not suit every business model , for example , industries such as healthcare might not benefit from this kind of change .
Before making any decision , businesses need to make the right considerations on if introducing this is the best thing for the business , equally it may be that exploring the four-day working week leads to a variation of another type of flexible working such as nine working days over 10 . They also need to listen to employees and cater to their needs .
JAMIE MACKENZIE , DIRECTOR AT
SODEXO ENGAGE
22 www . intelligentcxo . com