New research conducted by YouGov for Startups.co.uk, in which 530 workers were interviewed, has found that 78% support the idea of switching to a four-day working week, with many taking the view that it would improve their work-life balance.
Four-Day Working Week
As we highlighted earlier this year in a previous article, a 6 month trial of the four-day working week delivered some positive results for those participating in it.
The Trial
During the 6 month trial, employees of those organisations which participated worked a four-day working week without the loss of any pay. The approach was based upon what is known as the 100:80:100 model, in which employers pay their employees their full pay (i.e. 100%) despite employees only working 80% of the normal working week (i.e. a four-day working week, instead of 5). In exchange, the employee looks to deliver 100% productivity (i.e. produce what they had been doing in 5 days, in 4 days).
The objectives behind the trial were to determine whether the four-day working week delivers an increase in productivity, as well as improvements in health, wellbeing, work life balance, and staff retention.
Results
The results of the trial were published on the 21st February 2023, and were as follows:-
- Participating employees reported that a four-day week had improved their work life balance, with 54% stating that they were better able to combine work with tasks at home, and 62% stating that they were better able to integrate work with socialising. 60% of working carers also reported that they were better able to manage
- 39% of participating employees stated that their stress levels had fallen, and 71% reported a fall in burnout. 40% also stated that they were sleeping better
- 15% of participating employees stated that no amount of money could induce them to voluntarily return to working a five-day week
- Employers reported an average increase in revenue of 35% during the period of the trial, compared to the same period in 2021
- Whilst absenteeism fell by 65% on average, their was also a 57% reduction in staff departures . Moreover, there was an increase in recruitment
- Out of 10, the participating employers provided an average overall rating of 8.5. In terms of productivity and performance, the average rating was 7.5
- 92% of the participating employers plan to continue allowing their employees to work a 4 day week, with another 4% inclined to do the same. Just 4% of the employers stated that they would not be continuing with the shorter working week
New Survey
Given the outcome of the four-day working week trial, the new research conducted by YouGov for Startups.co.uk looked to determine how much support there was amongst workers for a switch to a four-day working week.
The research found that:-
- 78% of workers were in favour of a four-day working week, with 61% stating that they felt that it would improve their work-life balance. Other benefits cited by workers included reducing the amount of time and money wasted on commuting (38%), and the increased amount of recreational time available (40%)
- 52% of workers stated that would proactively seek alternative employment in which a four-day working week was on offer. Gen Z employees were the group most likely to do this (58%).
Employee Concerns
Nevertheless, 30% of the workers interviewed were sceptical about their current employers ability to implement a four-day working week. Moreover, the survey also found that 53% of workers were under the misapprehension that a switch to a four-day working week would involve a reduction in pay. Indeed, the prospect of a reduction in salary was such a concern, that 33% of those workers who were opposed to a four-day working week stated that they would look for a second job should their employer move them on to a four-day week.
Other Research
The results of the new research build upon and support the findings of other recent research. For example, a report compiled by GetApp involving 1,047 respondents not only found that 85% of employees would opt for a four-day working week if given the chance, but that 74% would move to another employer who offered them a similar role to their own, but which, unlike their current job, came with a four-day working week. Moreover, 54% of the employees stated that they were of the view that work-life balance is a key factor in attaining job satisfaction
Reaction
Commenting upon the findings, the lead writer at Startups, Helena Young, points out: "Employees are no longer solely motivated by pay or responsibility, but instead want roles that align with their lives.....And, with employees calling the shots, employers should sit up and take notice, as those who fail to meet these changing demands risk losing valuable talent."
Scepticism
Nevertheless, Ben Marlow, writing in the Daily Telegraph, expressed scepticism about the 6 month trial of the four-day working week. He argues that “the findings...are deeply unconvincing....Lots of jobs simply can’t be crunched over fewer days, and there will be millions of people who either don’t want to work less because they actually like their jobs, as well as others who don’t just want to work extra hours but actually need to, to supplement low pay. Has anyone behind the trials considered that once the changes are ushered in and the participants are enjoying three-day weekends, they might revert to their old habits pretty quickly?“
