Four-day week campaigners launch drive to get more companies involved

The ’National Rollout Programme’ follows a “huge response” to the pilot results, which were revealed last week, and aims to sign up hundreds more UK companies to adopt the four-day week this year.

In June, 61 companies signed up to the six-month trial, overseen by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Boston College in the U.S, meaning teams worked 80% of their contracted hours, with no loss of pay.

At least 56 are continuing with the four-day week, with 18 saying the policy is a permanent change, the results revealed.

Over the period, stress and burnout for employees both significantly declined with 71% of employees reporting lower levels of burnout.

Measures of work-life balance improved. Respondents found it easier to balance their work with both family and social commitments, and were more satisfied with their household finances, relationships and how their time was being managed.

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Other key business metrics showed signs of positive effects. Companies’ revenue stayed broadly the same, rising by 1.4% on average.

The new programme will be run by the 4 Day Week Campaign and think tank Autonomy after seeing the level of interest in the UK and across international audiences.

Coverage of the pilot results reached CNN in America and made national news across the world including Bangkok, India and Australia.

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Campaigners also received the support of Senator Bernie Sanders who tweeted: “With exploding technology and increased worker productivity, it’s time to move toward a four-day work week with no loss of pay. Workers must benefit from technology, not just corporate CEOs."

The National Rollout Programme will support companies and organisations on their journey moving to a four-day week and will begin in Mid-April.

Joe Ryle, Director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, said: “The huge response we’ve seen to the pilot results just shows that the world is ready for a four-day working week.

“We’ve had 100 years of the 9-5, 5 day working week and it’s time for change.

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“Moving to a four-day week would give us all the time to be able to live happier and more fulfilled lives.”

Will Stronge, Director of Research at Autonomy, said: “The evidence is clear: after numerous trials, pilots and case studies from across the world, the four-day, 32 hour working week with no loss of pay is a tried and tested success.

“The results of the pilot have shown that the four-day week presents benefits to both workers and businesses.

“This programme will support organisations that are interested in making the switch.”