Hundreds of British workers will soon have greater flexibility over their working hours. This is part of a new pilot by the official four-day week campaign.
This six-month project explores various flexible working models, including flexible start and finish times, a nine-day fortnight, and compressed hours.
The New Working Models
Supported by the UK’s largest union, Unison, and several major firms, the trial aims to enhance work-life balance and productivity. Six businesses have already joined the initiative, which plans to involve around 3,000 employees and 50 companies.
Building on the initial 2022 trial, the current pilot aims to discover the most effective working models. These include flexible start and finish times, a nine-day fortnight, and compressed hours.
Initial Success and Challenges
The campaign group reported that “at least” 54 of the 61 companies that participated in the initial trial have continued with the four-day week a year and a half later.
However, some companies have abandoned the four-day week after the initial trials. Asda recently shelved its trial, finding the longer shifts too demanding for staff.
Morrisons also ended its four-day week trial at its corporate office in Bradford. Staff were required to work 37.5 hours over four days with occasional Saturday shifts, which proved unpopular.
Employee Perspectives
Sophie Greaves, a research chemist in Liverpool, appreciates the flexible start and end times her job offers.
Greaves can start anytime between 07:00 and 10:00 and finish eight hours later, which she finds beneficial for managing her own time.
“People really are productive if they can manage their own time,” she says.
Global Trends
Some countries are exploring extended workweeks to boost productivity. Greece recently introduced a six-day working week for certain industries, which offers a 40% pay increase for overtime.
This policy applies to businesses operating 24-hours a day and is optional for workers.
Future Plans
Joe Ryle, the campaign’s director, plans to present the results of this second trial to the newly-elected Labour government next year.
“With a new Labour government, change is in the air, and we hope to see employers embracing this change by signing up to our pilot,” he said.
The trial aims to show that a four-day week can be a win-win for both workers and employers.
Support from Research
Research from Cambridge University and Boston College supports the latest trial.
Participants include organisations like Welsh community housing landlord Bron Afon Community Housing.
Director Unji Mathur expressed admiration for the positive impact on organisational performance, employee wellbeing, and retention.
Conclusion of Initial Trials
Joe Ryle commented that the trials which required 37.5 hours over four days were “not really a four-day week.”
He defines the four-day week as 32 hours across four days. Participants in the initial trial experienced enhanced productivity and work-life balance.
This pilot aims to explore flexible working models to enhance productivity and work-life balance. Backed by research and major firms, it holds potential for reshaping the future of work.
The results will be presented to the newly-elected Labour government, aiming to encourage more employers to adopt flexible working hours.
