LONDON (AFP) – A UK trial investigating the benefits of a four-day workweek has been largely successful, but the transition has not been smooth for some, it was revealed on Tuesday.
Over 70 organizations signed up for a 6-month trial This began in June, with more than 3,300 staff now being paid by employers the same as they would have been for a traditional five-day work week.
A total of 88% of respondents to a survey of exams conducted by 4 Day Week Global in partnership with the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford said the four-day week ‘works’.
Just under half said their business productivity “remained at about the same level” and about a third reported “improved slightly.”
A total of 15% say they have “improved significantly”.
Joe O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of 4 Day Week Global, said, “It’s been a fairly smooth transition for many, and there are understandable hurdles for some.” Including people who go back to the century.
Claire Daniels, CEO of participant Trio Media, said the trial has been “very successful” so far.
“Our productivity has remained high, our team is healthier, and our business is performing 44% better,” she added.
One anonymous respondent said the study showed that their company could have been “increased in productivity and added value to the organizations in which we work” years ago. said.
The trial is being conducted with the help of think tank Autonomy and the 4 Day Week UK Campaign. It claims that the shorter the workweek, the better the life-work balance.
Similar trials are underway or ongoing in Australia, Canada, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Spain and the United States.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/uk-four-day-working-week-trial-largely-positive-data-shows UK four-day workweek test largely positive, data shows