From June 1st, 60 companies across Britain will be trailing a 4-day working week. This will include 3,000 workers which is thought to be the biggest pilot scheme to take place in the world. But could this be rolled out to the whole country? We explore the history, motive, and the pro’s & con’s to a 4 day week.
What countries have already made the move?
Our neighbours up north, Scotland have already made the move to a 4-day working week. Japan, New Zealand, Belgium, Spain and Iceland have rolled it out too. Less hours doesn’t mean less pay – workers are paid the same as a five day week. New Zealand reported that employees maintained the same productivity level but stress was reduced from 45% to 38%.
Why move to a 4-day week?
Businesses are striving to find a way to support employee’s mental health and happiness. Experts predict that other benefits will include increased productivity, less business expenses, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Predictions are that it’ll create a more equal workplace too. Research on the Gender Pay Gap by the Government, said that roughly 2 million people in the UK are not currently employed due to childcare responsibilities – 89% of these people are women. With the possibility of a 4 day week being introduced to Britain, this could help promote an equal workplace and a healthier work/life balance. The prediction is that people spend more time with their familes and will juggle childcare in a better way.
As New Zealand have shown, productivity is expected to increase. Employees will be less stressed, decreasing sick leave as they will have more time to recover.
What are the downsides?
Some business leaders are worried that customer satisfaction will decrease due to staff taking days off and not replying to customer queries. One way around this will be for half the workforce to take Mondays off and the other to take off Fridays. Another way of combating this is to have more automated help systems in place.
The reduction of working hours could mean a reduction in productivity. Countries who have taken up a 4 day working week have shown that this is largely not the case. Employees seem to be organising their time more effectively.
What do you think? Should Britain move to a 4-day working week? Let us know on Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, Instgram, LinkedIn.
If you’re looking for a new role in Construction or Hospitality, take a look at our latest vacancies page.
