The number of sick days taken by staff participating in the trial decreased by approximately two-thirds, and nearly two-fifths reported feeling less anxious.
The world’s largest trial of a four-day workweek has been deemed a success, with the majority of participating companies stating that they will continue to offer a reduced workweek.
The pilot, which operated for six months beginning in June of last year and involved 61 companies from a variety of sectors in the United Kingdom, involved a total of 61 organizations.
Employers were required to ensure there was no compensation reduction for employees who participated in the 32-hour week trial.
56 of the 61 participating companies, including the Royal Society of Biology in London, plan to keep the four-day workweek.
CEO Mark Downs stated that productivity had increased.
He added: “During the duration of the pilot, the number of sick days taken has decreased.
“Before the trial, the average number of ill days per person per year was four or five. Now, it is less than two.
I believe there is a significant distinction.
Other pilot participants have had comparable experiences.
According to research conducted by the University of Cambridge and Boston College, the number of ill days taken by the 2,900 trial participants decreased by approximately two-thirds.
Additionally, 39% of employees reported feeling less anxious.
Tessa Gibson, a senior accreditation officer at the Royal Society of Biology, stated that she would not return to a five-day workweek, adding: “Weekends can be quite hectic, so it has been quite convenient to have an extra day to spend with friends and family, as well as an extra day off during the week to complete errands or relax.
It has had a significant impact on my mental health.
The COVID pandemic has forced employers to find more flexible working arrangements to recruit and retain employees. But not all companies believe a four-day workweek is an answer.
Jay Richards is the co-founder of Imagen Insights, a company that assists brands in collecting feedback from youthful consumers.
According to him, a four-day workweek frequently makes employees feel as though they must cram more work into fewer days.
“I believe a four-day week sounds good in theory, but in practice. How many firms can support employee well-being with a four-day week?
“For work-life harmony, we work a five-day week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. But we don’t shorten their week, which I believe would place them under more pressure.”
On Tuesday, 20 February, the results of the pilot program will be presented to members of Congress.
