A four-day working week was trailed in the UK for the first time in June; featuring more than 3,000 workers at 70 UK companies. 

In 2019, Henley Business School at the University of Reading surveyed more than 500 business leaders and more than 2,000 employees in the UK to understand the impact of a four-day work week. 

They found that two thirds of businesses reported improvements in staff productivity, while 78 per cent said staff were happier, less stressed (70%), took fewer days off ill (62%), and that a four-day working week helped them to attract and retain workers (63%).

The possibility of a four-day working week in the UK brings many pros such as aiding work-life balance, and a long weekend. However, with the various benefits that come with implementing a four-day working week, there are also some negative factors that could play a part. 

Keeping the workforce happy, satisfied and productive is the key of every employer. The impact of AI technology has enabled a number of industries to cut down numbers in their workforces whilst maintaining the same level of productivity. This is also a factor the digital industry will take into account. 

In reality, as advancement in technology continues to evolve, the likelihood of a four-day week increases. Hybrid working is the first step, and solutions such as cloud computing and virtual communication have become part of the setup at many businesses; setting the tone for a new way of working. 

What are the benefits? 

As well as a shorter working week (of course), a four day week presents solutions for both employees and companies. 

Increased Productivity – A workforce that is happy and refreshed, is a productive workforce. By implementing a four-day week, this gives employees an additional day (including the weekend) to recharge their batteries and be ready for work. It’s likely that not only job satisfaction will be improved, but also teamwork and company loyalty will be improved as a result of working fewer days.  

Better employee engagement – A four day week could lead to happier and more committed employees. With fewer days to work, there is less need (unless serious) to take sick days, or more days off as they have more time to rest and recover. 

Environmental benefits – Countries that have shorter working hours typically have a smaller carbon footprint; so reducing the work week from 5 days to 4 could have a positive effect on the environment. Hybrid working and shorter work weeks mean that employees will not need to commute to their offices as regularly. 

Equal opportunities – There will be members of the workforce who have responsibilities outside the workplace; childcare responsibilities for instance. Research from the Gender Pay Gap from the Government Equalities Office shows that roughly two million British people are not currently in employment due to childcare responsibilities and almost 90% (89%) of these people are women.

A four day week gives employees the chance to spend more time with their families, whilst creating time for commitments and promoting a more equal workplace in the process. 

What are the cons? 

Despite there being a range of benefits to a four-day week, there are also some obstacles that businesses and employees will have to overcome. 

Customer satisfaction – Dependant on the industry, a four-day work week could either be a success or a hinderance. Businesses that service customers on a 24/7 basis may find it difficult to reduce working days. A reduction in service and access to offices could result in less satisfied customers. 

One of the effective ways this is issue is being tackled by businesses is the adoption of AI chatbots. This ensures that customers still receive a quick response even if there is a shortage of agents or employees. 

What’s the correct approach? – Understanding how the four-day week works is very important. As there are less days, the understanding is that there will be less hours. Incorrect. Employees will still be expected to work the same hours, but in a compressed schedule. The downside to this is that employees could experience burnout, which could cause a decrease in productivity.  

Conclusion 

Whilst a four-day week is only being tested at this present time, it’s clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages to less days at work. Employers will have to take into account many factors before determining the future of work whilst protecting employees wellbeing. Digital and AI has an important part to play in the transition; various solutions can make it possible for businesses to continue whilst humans can still have meaningful careers with a better work/life balance.