Some companies in UK are now planning to launch a four-day working week, leading to questions of how they work and what their main benefits are. Arguments have raged for years over how long the working week should be, with some believing that the current standard of five days is too long.
The change in working routine is now being trialed in a scheme in the UK, as well as across the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. The pilot scheme is part of research by Cambridge University, Oxford University and Boston College, in partnership with think tank Autonomy and 4 Day Week Global.
There are plenty of reservations over if it works and the problems that would arise, such as staff shortages and increased pressure on employees, but some companies are now ready to give it a go.
Six UK companies are reported to be taking part in the scheme set to last six months and as many as 30 British companies could sign up. The hope is that a four-day week will increase worker productivity, benefiting both their own time and what their business get out of them.
The Pilot Programme Manager for 4 Day Week Global, Joe O’Connor, said that is hoped that a shorter working week will be successful and encourage more companies to take part. "We are excited by the growing momentum and interest in our pilot program and in the four-day week more broadly, " O'Connor said.
