Britain's Four-Day Work Week Trial: Nearly 1,000 Employees Won't Be Going Back to Five Days
A groundbreaking workplace experiment has concluded with overwhelming success, as companies across Britain announce they're making the four-day work week permanent for nearly 1,000 employees following a landmark six-month trial.
The results are in, and they're reshaping how we think about work-life balance. After participating in the world's largest four-day work week trial, 56 out of 61 British companies have decided to continue with the reduced schedule, affecting approximately 1,000 workers who will permanently enjoy an extra day off each week.
The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story
The trial, which ran from June to December 2022, involved 2,900 employees across diverse industries—from marketing agencies to manufacturing companies. The results were nothing short of remarkable:
- Revenue remained stable or increased for most participating companies
- Employee burnout decreased by 71% on average
- Staff turnover dropped by 57% during the trial period
- Sick days fell by 65% compared to the same period in previous years
Perhaps most telling, 55% of companies reported their revenue had increased during the trial period, while none reported a significant decrease in productivity.
Real Companies, Real Results
Take Platten's Fish and Chips, a family-run business in Norfolk. Owner Tom Platten initially worried about serving customers with reduced hours, but found that his team's improved morale and energy more than compensated for the shorter week. "Our staff are happier, more focused, and we're actually seeing better customer service," Platten explained.
Similarly, Hutch Games, a London-based mobile game developer, reported that their employees were more creative and collaborative during their four working days. The company's CEO noted that meetings became more efficient, and the team delivered projects on time despite working 20% fewer hours.
The Ripple Effect on Employee Wellbeing
Beyond the corporate benefits, the human impact has been profound. Employees reported using their extra day for activities that traditional weekend schedules couldn't accommodate:
- 38% spent more time exercising or engaging in physical activities
- 45% reported better mental health and reduced stress levels
- 62% found it easier to combine work with family responsibilities
- 54% were more satisfied with their work-life balance
Sarah Chen, a marketing manager at one of the participating companies, shared her experience: "Having that extra day has been transformative. I can handle personal appointments, spend quality time with my children, and still have time for myself. I come back to work on Monday feeling genuinely refreshed."
Industry Leaders Take Notice
The success of Britain's trial is attracting attention from major corporations worldwide. Several FTSE 100 companies are now considering their own four-day work week pilots, while recruitment agencies report that job postings advertising four-day schedules are receiving 30% more applications than traditional five-day roles.
The trial's success also challenges long-held assumptions about productivity and presence. Dr. Juliet Schor, the economist who helped design the trial, emphasized that the results demonstrate "when you reduce work time, people become more productive per hour."
What This Means for the Future of Work
The permanent adoption by these British companies signals a potential shift in how we structure work. Unlike previous experiments that focused primarily on employee satisfaction, this trial proved that reduced working hours can coexist with business success.
The model tested—known as "100:80:100"—sees employees receiving 100% of their pay for 80% of their time, in exchange for maintaining 100% productivity. This framework provides a blueprint that other organizations can adapt to their specific needs.
The Path Forward
As more companies embrace flexible working arrangements, the four-day work week is emerging as a viable solution to the ongoing challenges of employee retention, mental health, and productivity. The British trial has provided concrete evidence that this isn't just a feel-good initiative—it's a business strategy that delivers measurable results.
For the nearly 1,000 British workers who will continue enjoying their four-day schedules, the trial represents more than just an extra day off. It's proof that the future of work doesn't have to follow the traditional five-day model that's dominated for over a century.
The question now isn't whether the four-day work week can work—it's whether more companies will be bold enough to embrace it.
