Of the 61 companies that took part in the trial, 56 said they would continue to implement four-day workweeks after the pilot ended, 18 of which said the shift would be permanent. Two companies are extending the trial. Only three companies did not plan to carry on with any element of the four-day workweek.
The results are likely to put the spotlight back on shorter workweeks as a possible solution to the high levels of employee burnout and the “Great Resignation” phenomenon exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, amid a global movement calling for businesses to ditch the in-office, 9-to-5, five-day workweek and adopt more flexible working practices instead.
The findings from the U.K. trial build on the results of an earlier, smaller pilot published in November and also coordinated by 4 Day Week Global. That experiment, which involved about 30 companies and 1,000 employees in several countries, resulted in increased revenue, reduced absenteeism and resignations, and improved employee well-being. None of the participating firms planned to return to five-day workweeks after the pilot ended.
While a four-day workweek has potential benefits, there are also some potential downsides and challenges to consider, including:
Reduced productivity: While some companies have reported increased productivity with shorter workweeks, there is no guarantee that all companies or industries will experience the same benefits. It’s possible that a four-day workweek could lead to reduced output if employees struggle to meet the same productivity levels in a shorter timeframe.
Increased workload: A four-day workweek could lead to an increased workload for employees on the days they do work, as they may have to complete the same amount of work in a shorter timeframe. This could lead to increased stress and burnout.
Reduced earnings: While Sanders’ proposal calls for a four-day workweek with no reduction in pay, it’s possible that some companies may be unable or unwilling to offer the same level of compensation for fewer hours worked. This could result in reduced earnings for employees.
Reduced access to services: If companies adopt staggered work schedules, it could reduce access to services for customers who may need assistance on days when employees are not working.
Difficulty in coordinating schedules: If not all companies and industries adopt the same schedule, it could create challenges in coordinating schedules for employees, customers, and suppliers, which could negatively impact productivity and efficiency.