29 JUL 2023
Working hours still falling after four-day week pilot
HR Magazine reports on the outcomes of a four-day week trial conducted by 4 Day Week Global, where working hours decreased from 34 to 33 hours per week after six months.
Employee satisfaction with the reduced hours remained high, with a positive rating of nine out of 10 even after the trial ended. The trial also showed slight improvements in employees' physical and mental health, though burnout increased marginally by 0.05%.
The CEO of 4 Day Week Global, Dale Whelehan, stated that the long-term results demonstrate the sustainability of the four-day week model, contrary to concerns that the positive effects would diminish over time. However, some participants in the trial, like Claire Daniels, CEO of marketing agency Trio Media, noted that workloads have intensified since the trial concluded, leading to slightly longer working hours. Despite this, employees still benefit from reduced working hours compared to a traditional five-day week.
Additionally, the article mentions that more employers are considering implementing a nine-day fortnight (having one extra day off every two weeks) rather than a four-day week. Some employers find implementing a four-day week complex, as it requires careful scheduling and attention to customer needs. Chief People Officer at ConnectWise, Jen Locklear, suggested that employers struggling with a four-day week could offer shorter periods of reduced hours during slower months, or consider alternative flexible working arrangements.
Furthermore, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill has received royal assent, granting employees in England, Scotland, and Wales increased powers when requesting flexible work arrangements, including the ability to make up to two requests within 12 months. Employers must now respond to these requests within two months and consult with employees before denying them.
The data in the article is based on a survey involving 419 organisations across the US, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.