The UK is moving towards a four-day workweek, with a pilot program involving 1,000 workers across different sectors in London. The initiative, led by the 4 Day Week Campaign, has started and will gather data to present to the Labour government next summer. Currently, 17 companies, including the British Society for Immunology and Crate Brewery in Hackney, are testing models like a four-day workweek or a nine-day fortnight.
The 4 Day Week Campaign, established in 2022, reports that nearly 200 British businesses have permanently adopted the four-day workweek model. However, gaining full governmental support remains a challenge. While prominent Labour leaders like Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner support the initiative, the Labour Party has not officially adopted it as policy.
Previous trials conducted by the 4 Day Week Campaign have shown positive results. A study in 2022 involving 61 companies and 2,900 employees found that 92% of businesses continued with the reduced work schedule, with 18 making it permanent. The trial spanned sectors like education, hospitality, and healthcare. In London, companies like Adzooma, Debt Justice, and Outcomes Based Healthcare participated, reporting improvements in employee well-being and work-life balance.
Civil servants, represented by PCS, are also advocating for a four-day workweek to enhance the quality of life for employees. Staff at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are campaigning for an 80% workweek without a pay cut, aiming to reduce burnout and improve retention rates. While the department has not considered this policy, the push for a shorter workweek continues.
In London, companies like Awin, The Story Mob, and The Phoenix Group have already implemented the four-day workweek with success. Awin saw increased profits and productivity, while The Story Mob noted improved work quality and reduced stress. The Phoenix Group’s Phoenix Flex policy offers flexible work hours and locations for employees, prioritizing individual needs and well-being.
The trend towards a four-day workweek in London and beyond reflects a shift towards prioritizing employee well-being, retention, and productivity. While Labour’s pilot program is a step towards wider adoption, the success of companies already implementing this model suggests that the four-day workweek could become a prominent feature of the UK’s work culture in the future.
