The growing culture wars regarding working patterns could widen further this year, not just around hybrid and home working, but also, with the challenge to the traditional 5-day week. Described by the 4 Day Week Foundation as outdated and no longer fit for purpose, more and more UK employers are questioning whether it brings out the best in their employees or whether there is a more modern way of working.
In response to the increasing momentum for change, the 4 Day Week Foundation is planning at least three new four-day week pilots throughout 2025, testing the waters with the Labour government. Results of the latest trials are expected in this Summer.
The Foundation claims that almost 200 businesses have switched to a 4-day week permanently after trials revealed higher productivity and improved recruitment. It attributes this to a better work-life balance for employees, ‘creating time to live happier and more fulfilled lives’ and reduced costs in childcare and commuting.
Whilst proposals for a 4-day week are not the basis of any formal government policy, there is a different narrative in Westminster compared to the previous conservative government, which had told one local authority which trialled it in 2023 to “stop your experiment immediately”. We will wait and see whether or not the growing trend will continue to be offered by some employers as part of a competitive benefits package or whether it will be supported by legislative changes.
