Four-day workweeks have taken off across many companies, with leaders citing improved operations. Now, the UK is looking to understand whether this arrangement could be applied at a larger scale.
A trial conducted by researchers at Cambridge University, Boston College, and Oxford University, 4 Day Week Global, UK think tank Autonomy, and the 4 Day Week UK Campaign will allow companies to test out if a shorter work week is ideal.
Thirty businesses will participate from June 2022 to December 2022 and employees will see no loss in payment.
“The four-day week challenges the current model of work and helps companies move away from simply measuring how long people are ‘at work,’ to a sharper focus on the output being produced. 2022 will be the year that heralds in this bold new future of work,” said Joe O’Connor, pilot program manager for 4 Day Week Global.
The four-day workweek isn’t a new concept, but in recent years this arrangement has gained traction.
Companies adopting this policy have learned about its benefits, such as increased productivity, more satisfied employees, and overall better output.
The UK arm of camera company Canon is one of the six businesses that has signed up for the pilot. Ken Sutherland, president of Canon Medical Research Europe, stated that the company wants to focus on adapting their work practices so “employees find their time with [the company] is meaningful, fulfilling and productive.”
Other countries are also experimenting with four-day workweeks, such as Iceland, New Zealand, and Scotland.
