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3mo ago

UK Pilot’s Four-Day Week Sees Universal Adoption by Participating Firms

All 17 pilot companies have embraced permanent shorter weeks, with public councils now evaluating wider rollout despite expert warnings on self-selection bias.

Commuters cross London Bridge, as they make their way to work in London, UK, on Monday, June 2, 2025. At least 10% of the UK's wealthy non-dom population have left the country following tighter tax rules introduced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government, according to a new report authored by a former Treasury economist. Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Skyscrapers along the Dubai Marina waterfront in the Gulf emirate.
Protestors call for a four-day working week to tackle climate change outside Glasgow's COP26 climate conference in 2021. Image: 4 Day Week Campaign
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Overview

  • The six-month national trial involving 17 companies and nearly 1,000 workers achieved a 100% continuation rate for the four-day, 32-hour week.
  • Organisations maintained service levels and key performance indicators throughout the pilot, demonstrating stable productivity under reduced hours.
  • Employee wellbeing improved markedly, with 62% reporting reduced burnout, 40% better mental health and 45% greater life satisfaction.
  • Some participants recorded tangible business benefits, including revenue gains and lower absenteeism, exemplified by BrandPipe’s 130% revenue jump.
  • Momentum now extends beyond private firms: over 230 UK companies run four-day schedules and councils such as South Cambridgeshire are weighing permanent adoption.