IS THE FOUR-DAY WEEK THE SECRET TO WORKER WELLBEING?

Is the four-day week the secret to worker wellbeing?

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in an era of more flexible working practices for many people. But could workers actually cut their hours while retaining the same rate of productivity?

A seven-month nationwide pilot scheme is set to launch in June that will explore the viability of a four-day week. Employees at participating businesses will receive the same pay for fewer hours, with researchers assessing the impact on productivity and well being.

So what might the pros and cons of this model be? Let’s take a look!

The pilot scheme

The trial will involve 3,000 workers in 60 companies, making it the biggest four-day week pilot scheme anywhere in the world. Participating companies include the Royal Society of Biology, brewer Pressure Drop, and a Norfolk fish and chip shop.

It’s being run by a team including academics from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and campaign group 4 Day Week Global. They will be researching the trial’s impact on productivity, workers’ wellbeing, gender equality, and the environment.

According to Joe O’Connor of 4 Day Week Global: “Increasingly, managers and executives are embracing a new model of work which focuses on quality of outputs, not quantity of hours. Workers have emerged from the pandemic with different expectations around what constitutes a healthy life-work balance.”

Mark Downs, the chief executive of the Royal Society of Biology, says: “It’s about trying to do more to be a good, innovative employer to attract and retain our current staff.”

The pros of a four-day week

The advantages for workers seem clear: the same pay, but a three-day weekend – what’s not to like? Certainly, companies which have already adopted or trialled a four-day week have reported various benefits.

A pilot scheme in Iceland involving 2,500 workers was judged an “overwhelming success”. And when Microsoft Japan trialled a four-day week, it reported productivity jumping 40% as meetings became more efficient, workers took less time off, and wellbeing boomed.

It’s also thought there could be benefits to the environment due to less commuting; and improved workplace inclusivity, for parents of young children, for example, who are busy juggling their time.

The cons of a four-day week

However, recruitment agency Adecco warns of potential drawbacks.

For workers, these include added stress - they may end up doing the same hours anyway. For employers, there is a cost-risk.

Not all organisations can offer their workforce such flexibility, so the practice could widen existing inequalities.

Finally, there is the problem of managing teams: drawing up staff rotas to ensure that all shifts are covered.

It will be fascinating to discover how the organisations involved in this pilot tackle these challenges over the coming months.

StaffSavvy: software for flexible working

For employers keen to introduce flexible working, up-to-date tech is crucial.

StaffSavvy provides software to automate your workplace processes, easing pressure on line managers and enabling employees to self-manage, increasing both productivity and wellbeing.

Tools include staff rota management to ensure that all shifts are covered and all employees know their schedules. To book a quick demo, contact StaffSavvy today.