According to the world's largest study on the implementation of the four-day workweek in the UK, this schedule can increase employee happiness and company profitability. Researchers from the University of Cambridge conducted extensive interviews with staff and managers before, during, and after the experiment.
The result of a 20% reduction in weekly working hours was that employees had 65% fewer sick days and 57% fewer resignations, according to Study Finds. On average, people working four days a week experienced 71% less burnout and 39% less stress compared to their baseline at the start of the six-month study.
Company revenue also increases, albeit on average only by 1.4%. Of the 61 UK companies that participated in the pilot program, 92% said they planned to maintain the four-day workweek. And 18 companies have announced a permanent shift in schedule.
Most employees spent their weekday free time on "life admin" tasks such as shopping and cleaning. This allowed them to have a quality break on Saturday and Sunday. Some were able to dedicate more time to sports, cooking, and volunteering.
Others used their free time to obtain higher professional qualifications. Parents saved on childcare and nursery fees thanks to a midweek day off.
"Before the trial, many wondered whether we would see an increase in productivity to offset the reduction in working hours, but this is exactly what we found" said sociologist Professor Brendan Burchell, who led the study. The University of Cambridge has partnered with Boston College and the non-profit organization 4 Day Week Global.