At least 200 companies in the United Kingdom have officially implemented a 4-day workweek for all employees without reducing salaries. This decision, considered “ground-breaking” by many, impacts over 5,000 workers across industries such as charities, marketing, and technology. The Guardian cited this, mentioning the 4 Day Week Foundation.
Joe Ryle, the foundation’s campaign director, described the traditional five-day work model as “outdated” and unsuitable for modern work culture. He emphasised that companies introduced the 9-to-5, five-day workweek a century ago, but it no longer meets current needs.
According to him, reducing the workweek to four days while maintaining full pay gives employees over 50% more free time. This change enables them to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. He believes this shift offers benefits for both workers and businesses.
Among the 200 companies adopting the new model, 30 belong to the marketing, advertising, and PR sectors. Another 29 operate in charities, NGOs, and social care. Additional 24 companies represent the technology, software, and IT industries. Moreover, 22 firms in business, consulting, and management have embraced the four-day workweek.
According to The Guardian, the 4-Day Workweek will help companies attract and retain employees while boosting productivity. Research indicates that businesses can maintain the same level of output despite fewer working hours.
The transition follows a 2022 pilot program led by the 4 Day Week Campaign in the UK. Around 70 companies participated in the trial. They collaborated with researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, Boston College, and the think tank Autonomy. By the midpoint of the trial in September, 88% of participating companies reported that the four-day week was working well. Additionally, about 95% stated that productivity had either remained stable or improved since implementing the policy.
