Following on from our blog in November about the trial of a 4 day working week that was underway, this week a report has been published with the outcomes and results of the trial. We were delighted to hear some really positive results, and think this feels like a step forward in evidencing the value of work-life balance for employees.
To recap, firms took part in a trial of the 4 day working week where employees work 80% of their usual hours, but retain their full salaries. This trial is the work of campaign group 4 Day Week and is running alongside similar pilot schemes in other countries such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand. You can read more about the anticipated benefits in our previous blog.
Overall, the trial has been considered a resounding success. 92% of the companies who took part are continuing the 4 day work week. It’s worth noting that the companies didn’t all implement the 4 day week in the same way. Companies were able to implement the 4 day week how they felt it would work best in their unique business and had the advantage of extensive preparation from workshops, coaching and peer support. They also had access to leading research and consultancy organisations and evidence from the experience of companies who had already the implemented the change to guide them.
Some of the most significant benefits came in the following areas:
- Employee health and wellbeing – mental and physical health improved; anxiety, fatigue and sleep issues decreased, 39% of employees were less stressed and 71% had reduced levels of burnout. There was also a staggering 65% drop in sick days!
- Work-life balance – employees reported that they found it easier to balance work with their family and social life. 60% found it easier to combine work with their caring responsibilities and 62% with their social life. Generally, employees were more satisfied with their household finances and relationships.
- Retention of employees – there was a 57% drop in number of employees leaving during the trial period.
- Company Revenue – broadly, revenue stayed the same over the trial period.
It’s hoped that these results will inspire more companies to consider reducing their working week to the benefit of both their employees and the company itself.
You can read the full report here.
If this is something you’d like to consider in your organisation, or you’re looking at other ways to improve your employee’s wellbeing then we’d love to help. Give us a shout hello@hroverload.co.uk.