More than 200 companies in the United Kingdom have permanently implemented a four-day work week without reducing employee pay, according to research by the 4 Day Week Foundation.
Reports by ITV News on Monday revealed that this new policy has been adopted by marketing agencies, IT firms, consultancies, and non-profits, collectively employing over 5,000 workers.
Campaign director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, Joe Ryle, stressed that the traditional five-day work week, which originated over a century ago, is outdated. “With 50% more free time, a four-day week gives people the freedom to live happier, more fulfilling lives,” Ryle noted.
Advocates of the initiative argue that a shorter work week is crucial for attracting and retaining employees while promoting better mental health and overall well-being. London-based firms are at the forefront of this movement, with 59 of the 200 participating organisations located in the capital.
While the concept gains traction in the UK, many employees across the globe are still facing calls to return to full-time office work. Yahoo News reports that in the United States, companies like JP Morgan and Amazon have insisted on staff returning to the office, despite the hybrid work models introduced during the pandemic.
A survey by Spark Market Research found that 78% of respondents aged 18–34 believe a four-day work week will become the norm within five years, while 65% oppose a return to traditional full-time office work. Managing Director Lynsey Carolan noted that mental health and overall well-being are top concerns for younger generations, making the four-day work week an attractive benefit.
In some parts of the UK, the policy has even expanded beyond office settings. Early in 2023, the four-day work week was trialed for office staff and later extended to employees in waste collection services.
Meanwhile, other organisations have resisted the shift. In January 2023, Disney announced that hybrid workers must return to corporate offices four days a week starting in March.
The 4 Day Week Foundation, established in 2019 by Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart, is championing the transition from focusing on work hours to prioritising productivity and output. The organisation has launched pilot programmes in countries such as the UK, US, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, with plans to expand further.