A pioneering 15-month trial conducted by South Cambridgeshire District Council has highlighted significant benefits of a four-day workweek, including reduced staff turnover, improved mental health among employees, and substantial cost savings.
Findings from the trial, which involved 697 employees and is the largest of its kind in the UK public sector, were recently released by academics from the universities of Cambridge and Salford.
Commencing in January 2023, the experiment required participants to complete their full workload in 80% of the time while receiving full pay. This innovative approach aimed to evaluate the impact of shorter working hours on various aspects of workplace performance and employee wellbeing across sectors such as office administration and waste management.
Positive Outcomes
Researchers assessed 24 key areas, including worker motivation, staff mental health, and commitment levels. Out of these, 22 areas either improved or remained stable during the trial period. Most notably, staff turnover decreased by 39%, leading to a significant reduction in recruitment needs. Moreover, the trial attracted a higher number of external job applicants, with 76% citing the four-day workweek as a key factor influencing their decision to apply.
Professor Daiga Kamerāde from the University of Salford highlighted the competitive advantage gained by organisations embracing the four-day workweek, noting that such initiatives attract top talent seeking improved work-life balance and flexibility.
Financial and Social Impact
The council reported savings amounting to £371,500 ($476,980), primarily from reduced agency staff costs associated with only 10 positions. Employees also experienced enhanced mental and physical wellbeing, alongside increased motivation levels, according to the researchers.
Professor Brendan Burchell from the University of Cambridge underscored the broader implications of the trial, suggesting that it provides compelling evidence for organisations considering similar initiatives. Despite these positives, the trial identified two minor drawbacks: a slight decline in rent collection from social housing and increased days to re-let housing stock, partially attributed to broader national economic challenges.
Global Context and Future Prospects
The concept of a four-day workweek has gained traction globally, with countries like the US, Canada, Ireland, and Germany conducting similar trials. Belgium notably legislated for a four-day week in February 2022, reflecting a growing trend towards reevaluating traditional work patterns.
In a post-pandemic era increasingly characterised by remote and hybrid work models, the movement towards shorter workweeks continues to resonate. Joe Ryle, campaign director at 4 Day Week, emphasised the broader societal benefits, citing improved productivity and increased community engagement among employees.
“As organisations recognise the value of rested, balanced employees, the conversation around the four-day workweek becomes more compelling,” Ryle stated. “Ultimately, it’s about fostering a society where individuals can lead happier and healthier lives.”
The successful trial by South Cambridgeshire District Council adds weight to the ongoing discourse on modern work practices, advocating for policies that enhance both employee wellbeing and organisational efficiency.
