The Global 4-Day Work Week: Results from the Largest Social Experiment
đź“šWhat You Will Learn
- Why the 4-day week succeeded in business metrics like revenue and retention.
- How employee health and happiness soared with less work time.
- Global spread and variations of these experiments.
- Keys to implementing a successful 4-day model.
đź“ťSummary
ℹ️Quick Facts
- 92% of UK companies continued the 4-day week after trial.
- Revenue rose 1.4% on average; staff attrition fell 57%.
- 71% of employees saw reduced burnout; 39% less stress.
đź’ˇKey Takeaways
- Shorter hours maintain or boost productivity when focusing on output, not time.
- Massive well-being gains: lower burnout, better mental health, improved work-life balance.
- High retention: 90% of workers want to continue; 15% reject 5-day weeks even for more pay.
In 2022, the UK hosted the largest 4-day work week pilot: 61 companies, 2,900 workers, from June to December. No pay cuts, full productivity expected, with flexible models like Friday off or staggered days.
Backed by Oxford, Cambridge, and Boston University researchers, it included prep workshops. Results? A resounding success rated 8.5/10 overall.
92% continued (56 firms), 18 made it permanent. Revenue up 1.4%, productivity scored 7.5/10.
Burnout dropped for 71%, stress for 39%, fatigue for 46%. Mental health improved for 43%, sleep issues fell 40%.
Work-life balance soared: 62% easier social life, 60% better caregiving. 54% handled household tasks more easily.
90% wanted to keep it; 55% felt sharper at work. Women gained more across metrics.
15% said no salary would lure them back to 5 days—proof of its pull.
Staff turnover plunged 57%. Attrition plummeted as perks outweighed cash.
Firms rated it 8.3/10. Output-focused work drove efficiency, sparking innovation.
Compared to prior years, revenue jumped 35% average—healthy growth in tough times.
US/Ireland trials echoed UK success: firms thrilled, most continuing.
Brazil: 19/21 companies stuck with it; Portugal saw 62.7% less stress, 74% better health.
Iceland, Japan boosted productivity/well-being. Momentum builds for laws in more nations.
Success hinged on output over hours, tailored policies, support.
Extra day fueled hobbies, family—not side gigs. Commuting down 30 min/week.
As trials proliferate by 2026, expect wider adoption. Ready to rethink work?
⚠️Things to Note
- Trials spanned UK, US, Ireland, Brazil, Portugal with similar successes.
- Not one-size-fits-all: companies tailored models like staggered or annualized schedules.
- Women often saw greater improvements in outcomes than men.