Is the working week about to change 4ever?
Over 1,000 employees across 17 UK companies have embarked on a six-month trial aimed at testing the impact of a four-day working week. This initiative, part of the second phase of the 4 Day Week Campaign, is gathering momentum and could potentially reshape the future of work.
Participants in this latest trial, which include notable organisations such as Crate Brewery and the British Society for Immunology (BSI), will work four days a week while maintaining their full salaries. This follows a successful 2022 trial where 56 out of 61 participating businesses made the change permanent, citing improved employee well-being, reduced stress, and stable productivity.
Why Should Employers Embrace a 4-Day Week?
For service-based industries, the evolving trend towards a shorter work week presents significant opportunities. The four-day working week is no longer just a buzzword—it's becoming a serious consideration for companies looking to attract and retain top talent. With work-life balance increasingly prioritised by job seekers, forward-thinking businesses are using this model to differentiate themselves from competitors. But is there a strong business case for adoption?
Businesses that can present candidates with opportunities for enhanced flexibility, without compromising on salary or professional development, stand to benefit. Employers embracing this model are positioning themselves as leaders in workplace innovation, making them highly desirable to a growing pool of talent seeking better balance and job satisfaction.
The Benefits for Your Bottom Line
The trial's initial results show that businesses adopting a four-day working week experience:
- Enhanced employee satisfaction:
By offering more personal time without cutting pay, companies like Crate Brewery have seen a rise in employee happiness, with reduced stress and less conflict.
- Improved loyalty:
Happier staff means less people leaving, which means a more consistent workforce and service, strengthening their competitive position in the market.
- Boost in productivity:
Despite the reduced hours, businesses reported no decline in performance. In fact, employees returned to work more focused and motivated.
- Enhanced recruitment potential:
As Doug Brown of BSI pointed out, this shift towards flexibility makes companies more appealing to job seekers. Offering a four-day work week can give businesses an edge in recruiting skilled professionals, especially in highly competitive sectors.
The Bigger Picture: A Workforce Trend Gaining Traction
Recent research indicates that up to 1.5 million UK employees are already benefiting from a four-day week. With 58% of the public believing this will become the norm by 2030, businesses that adapt now will be ahead of the curve. However, the government has made it clear that there are no plans to make this arrangement mandatory, giving companies the freedom to experiment without regulation, which is wise given the recent increases in employers nationa insurance contributons and the 28% increase in the minimum wage between April 2022 and April 2025.
How Your Recruitment Agency Can Add Value
As this trend grows, it's important for businesses to stay informed and develop their strategy to include flexible working arrangements like the four-day week can benefit both their recruitment campaigns and current workforce. A good recruitment agency can offer advice on how to adapt to this model.
“Businesses need to look for a recruitment agency who provide a partnership offering rather than a transactional relationship,” said Lily. “A switched-on agency who values a client’s business will help ensure productivity levels are maintained and existing staff are ‘on-board’, as well finding candidates who thrive in a flexible work environment.”
Attract Applicants by Offering Flexibility
In summary, the four-day working week is more than a passing trend—it’s a fundamental shift in the way businesses approach work. By exploring new shift models, businesses can better match the needs of candidates by not only meeting their career goals but also providing the flexibility they increasingly seek. Those who embrace this approach will be well-positioned to attract higher-quality talent, while enhancing overall productivity and employee well-being. But new plans also need to be underpinned by hard evidence that supports the business case as companies struggle with the recent double whammy hits to Employers National Insurance contributions and minimum wage rises.
If you’d like to discuss changes to your business’s future working week strategy, our Commercial Recruitment Teams can help you navigate this new landscape.
- KPI Recruiting Crewe 01270 589943
- KPI Recruiting Stoke 01782 712230
- KPI Recruiting Telford 01952 597797
- KPI Recruiting Warrington 01925 637871
- KPI Recruiting Wigan 01942 597215
