Most companies participating in the world’s largest 4-day working trial in the United Kingdom (UK) are satisfied with the results.
61 companies from 61 countries participated in the study organized by the UK-based think tank Autonomy in June-December 2022.
The results of the study, which involved the prestigious University of Cambridge as well as Boston College and Salford University in the US, were published on February 21.
Of the 61 companies that participated in the experiment, 54 (89 percent) maintained the 4-day working pattern, while 31 (51 percent) made it permanent.
55 percent of project managers and CEOs said that the 4-day working system had a positive impact on their companies.
In addition, 50 percent of companies reported that this system reduced employee turnover, while 32 percent said it improved new hiring processes.
82 percent of companies reported that this working pattern has a positive impact on employees’ mental health.
Juliet Schor, the author of the study, pointed out that during the 6-month test period, the 4-day shift system yielded significant efficiency. The academic working at Boston College said the following:
Employees’ physical and mental health and work-life balance increased significantly compared to 6 months ago. Improvements in burnout and life satisfaction also continued.
96 percent of employees stated that the 4-day working schedule had a positive impact on their personal lives. The rate of those who said that their productivity at work increased was 86 percent.
On the other hand, Matthew Percival from the Confederation of British Industry, which represents and lobbies 190,000 businesses in the UK, pointed out that the 4-day working day system does not offer a suitable approach for all companies and that some companies cannot afford the cost.
While the companies participating in the research were mainly active in marketing and advertising, companies in the construction, manufacturing, retail, health and entertainment sectors also took part in the trial process.
