As a lot of us return to work this morning following the Queens Jubilee celebrations, 70 firms across the UK are taking part in a four day week trial.
Since the global pandemic the way in which we work has changed dramatically with more people working from home than ever before. Despite this there are still calls for a four day working week to be given some consideration.
The experiment of a four day working week has been organised by a group campaigning for a shorter working week, with no loss to the workers wages.
Academics from both Oxford, UK and Boston, US will manage the experiment in partnership with the think tank Autonomy.
Companies involved in the pilot scheme include an office based software development agency, recruitment agency, charities and even fish and chip shops are taking part in the trial.
Joe O’Connor CEO of 4 Day Week Global said:
“As we emerge from the pandemic, more and more companies are recognising that the new frontier for competition is quality of life, and that reduced-hour, output-focused working is the vehicle to give them a competitive edge.”
Whilst there may be health and wellbeing benefits to a 4 day working week, there are some directors who have expressed opposition to the new flexible working hours. Elons Musk, told his employees, last week to get back to the office and work for a minimum of 40 hours per week.
Civil Servants across the UK have also been urged to return to their offices in Whitehall by senior ministers.
In the 21st Century, a time where we can literally achieve almost any task in the palm of our hands, is there a major requirement for us to head back to office for a minimum of 40 hours a week?
The organisations that have signed up to the trial have agreed to allow researchers to measure the impact on productivity and wellbeing, as well as on the environment and gender equality. Further four day week trials are expected to be carried out later this year in both Scotland and Spain.
Time will tell on whether a four day working week becomes the new normal for further employees up and down the UK.
Further information on the 4 Day Week Global organisation can be found on their website.
