four-day workweek

The five-day workweek is a cultural norm; the result of early 1900s union advocacy to reduce the six-day workweek, which led to the invention of the weekend. In the early 20th century, when the average work week in developed nations was reduced from around 60 to 40 hours, it was expected that further decreases would occur over time. In 1930, economist John Maynard Keynes estimated that technological change and productivity improvements would make a 15-hour work week possible within a couple of generations.{{Cite web |last=Veal |first=Anthony |date=24 December 2018 |title=It's time to put the 15-hour work week back on the agenda |url=https://www.theconversation.com/its-time-to-put-the-15-hour-work-week-back-on-the-agenda-106754 |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=The Conversation |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922122021/https://theconversation.com/its-time-to-put-the-15-hour-work-week-back-on-the-agenda-106754 }} Other notable people throughout history to predict continuing reductions in working hours include United States (US) Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, Karl Marx, British philosopher John Stuart Mill, and playwright George Bernard Shaw. In 1956, then US Vice President Richard Nixon promised Americans they would only have to work four days "in the not too distant future".{{Cite book |last=Bregman |first=Rutger |title=Utopia for Realists: And How We Can Get There |year=2014 |pages=128–132}}

Most advocates for a four-day working week argue for a fixed work schedule, resulting in shorter weeks (e.g. four 8-hour workdays for a total of 32 hours). This follows the 100-80-100 model: 100% pay for 80% of the time, in exchange for a commitment to maintain at least 100% productivity. However, some companies have introduced a four-day week based on a compressed work schedule:[https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/work-schedules/fact-sheets/alternative-work-schedules-compressed-work-schedules/ Fact Sheet: Compressed Work Schedules] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721153359/https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/work-schedules/fact-sheets/alternative-work-schedules-compressed-work-schedules/ |date=July 21, 2020 }}, from United States Office of Personnel Management in the so-called "4/10 work week," the widely used 40 weekly work hours are distributed across four days instead of five, resulting in 10-hour workdays (hence "four-ten").{{cite journal |last1=Hyatt |first1=Edward |last2=Coslor |first2=Erica |title=Compressed lives: how 'flexible' are employer-imposed compressed work schedules? |journal=Personnel Review |date=March 5, 2018 |volume=47 |issue=2 |pages=278–293 |doi=10.1108/PR-08-2016-0189 |hdl=11343/191878 |hdl-access=free }}

The 9/80 work schedule can be seen as an intermediate between a compressed 4 day week and a 5-day week: every 2 weeks, a 4-day work-week alternates with a 5-day work-week.

The resulting schedule may look different depending on the way the four-day week is implemented: in some variants, Friday becomes the permanent non-working day, giving employees three consecutive days off over the weekend; some workplaces split the day off among the staff, with half taking Monday off and the other half taking Friday off; sometimes the day off is added in the middle of the week such as a Wednesday, allowing for a mid-week break; and, in some cases the day off changes from week to week, depending on the company's current goals and workload.

According to the Marketplace radio program, the four day work week can be viewed as a white collar phenomenon. It has also been suggested that some blue collar jobs would see increased stress for workers if 100% of the five day productivity was expected in a four-day week. But advances in automation make the four day work week just as relevant for blue collar workers.{{Cite web |last=Schwab |first=Kristin |date=2023-09-19 |title=Is a four-day workweek possible for blue-collar workers? |url=https://www.marketplace.org/2023/09/19/is-a-four-day-workweek-possible-for-blue-collar-workers/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Marketplace |language=en-US}}

The push towards implementing the four-day week has remained loosely relevant within the contemporary workplace due to the various possible benefits it may yield. Although mostly untested, these benefits mainly lie within increased cost-cutting, productivity, and work–life balance.

A study from the University of Massachusetts concluded that a four-day workweek would cut humanity's carbon footprint by nearly 30%.{{cite news |last= Smedley |first= Tim |date= 7 August 2019 |title= How shorter workweeks could save Earth |url= https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20190802-how-shorter-workweeks-could-save-earth |work= BBC |access-date= 13 December 2023}}

An increase in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the desire for flexible work arrangements.{{Cite web |last1=Casalicchio |first1=Emilio |date=June 21, 2021 |title=UK should seize pandemic 'opportunity' to work more flexibly, says review chief |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-should-seize-pandemic-opportunity-to-work-more-flexibly-says-review-chief-peter-cheese/ |access-date=July 14, 2021 |work=Politico |language=en-US |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714051558/https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-should-seize-pandemic-opportunity-to-work-more-flexibly-says-review-chief-peter-cheese/ |url-status=live }}

In 2022, not-for-profit advocacy group 4 Day Week Global launched a series of six-month trials for companies in:

• Ireland (17 companies, February to August);
• the United States and Canada (38 companies, April to October);
• the United Kingdom (UK) (61 companies with around 2,900 employees, June to December). The program, which allows employees to get 100% compensation for working 80% of their usual hours, is being used by more than 61 businesses with around 2,900 employees. Participating businesses include local fish and chip shops, charities, and office-based software developers and employment agencies. The study is being conducted by Autonomy, a think tank, researchers from Cambridge and Oxford universities, and 4 Day Week, an organization that advocates for a reduced workweek. The project will be overseen by academics from Boston College in the US, Oxford, and Cambridge universities, together with the think tank Autonomy. The pilot has been viewed as a success with many of the programs retaining the four day work week after the pilot program was originally scheduled to end.{{Cite news |last=Young |first=Sarah |date=2023-02-21 |title=Four-day week liked by UK employers in world's largest trial |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/four-day-week-here-stay-say-uk-firms-worlds-largest-trial-2023-02-21/ |access-date=2023-02-21 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707202858/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/four-day-week-here-stay-say-uk-firms-worlds-largest-trial-2023-02-21/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2022-09-20 |title=Firms in four-day week trial will make it permanent |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62966302 |url-status=live |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210122016/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62966302 |archive-date=December 10, 2022}}{{Cite news |date=2022-06-05 |title=The workers getting 100% pay for 80% of the hours |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61570021 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210125046/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61570021 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2021-03-25 |title='I can't see myself going back to a five-day week' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56512169 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210125042/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56512169 |url-status=live }}

and

• Australia and New Zealand (20 companies, August to February 2023).{{Cite news |last=Sharples |first=Sarah |date=20 May 2022 |title="'Hustling': Australian companies embracing the four day work week" |work=news.com.au |url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/hustling-australian-companies-embracing-the-four-day-work-week/news-story/8fe7fa2e354b9422cc14a81b08fbe794 |access-date=26 July 2022 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603025613/https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/hustling-australian-companies-embracing-the-four-day-work-week/news-story/8fe7fa2e354b9422cc14a81b08fbe794 |url-status=live }}

Employees of participating companies will work one less day a week with no reduction in pay. The UK pilot is the world's largest trial of a four-day week to date.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several governments have proposed and launched four-day working week trials:

• Scotland announced it is putting £10 million towards a trial, as part of its promise to pursue a wellbeing economy.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}{{When|date=September 2024}}
• Spain announced a voluntary, nationwide, three-year trial of a 32-hour workweek.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}{{When|date=September 2024}}
• The Japanese government's 2021 annual economic policy guidelines recommended that companies allow their workers to opt for a four-day work week, as part of an initiative aimed at improving work-life balance in the country.{{cite news |last1=Ryall |first1=Julian |date=June 22, 2021 |title=Japan proposes four-day working week to improve work-life balance |work=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/en/japan-work-life-balance/a-57989053 |access-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623022919/https://www.dw.com/en/japan-work-life-balance/a-57989053 |url-status=live }}
• Belgium allowed employees the ability to request a four-day work week through the compression of their 38-hour week.{{Cite web |last=Bateman |first=Tom |date=2022-02-15 |title=Belgium approves 4-day week and right to disconnect |url=https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/02/15/belgium-approves-four-day-week-and-gives-employees-the-right-to-ignore-their-bosses |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=euronews |language=en |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630112709/https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/02/15/belgium-approves-four-day-week-and-gives-employees-the-right-to-ignore-their-bosses |url-status=live }}
• France is currently trialing a 4 day work week through the social enterprise 4jours.work with the academic research part being carried out by emlyon business school, and civil society support (CFC-CGC, 4th largest union, B Lab France amongst others. Although the debate has started in the 90s thanks to Pierre Larrouturou and Antoine Riboud (Danone CEO), France had been lagging in terms of shorter workweek because of the 35 hour workweek implemented in the late 90s.

Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand and Sanna Marin of Finland have each proposed a four-day workweek as a consideration.{{Cite web |last1= |first1= |date=May 20, 2020 |title=Jacinda Ardern flags four-day working week as way to rebuild New Zealand after Covid-19 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/20/jacinda-ardern-flags-four-day-working-week-as-way-to-rebuild-new-zealand-after-covid-19 |access-date=October 21, 2021 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022021633/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/20/jacinda-ardern-flags-four-day-working-week-as-way-to-rebuild-new-zealand-after-covid-19 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Jack |date=January 8, 2020 |title=Finland Prime Minister's Aspirational Goal Of A Six-Hour, Four-Day Workweek: Will It Ever Happen? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/01/08/finlands-prime-ministers-aspirational-goal-of-a-six-hour-four-day-workweek-will-this-ever-happen/ |access-date=October 21, 2021 |work=Forbes |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022021618/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/01/08/finlands-prime-ministers-aspirational-goal-of-a-six-hour-four-day-workweek-will-this-ever-happen/ |url-status=live }}

Two trials in Iceland between 2015 and 2019 in which working hours were reduced to 35 hours a week without pay reduction for 2,500 workers resulted in "dramatically increased" well-being, and improved work-life balance and stress ratings from employees, measured by a range of indicators such as burnout and perceived stress.{{Cite web |title=Going public: Iceland's journey to a shorter working week |url=https://en.alda.is/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ICELAND_4DW.pdf |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=ALDA - Association for sustainable democracy |language=EN-ENG |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223192154/https://en.alda.is/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ICELAND_4DW.pdf |url-status=live }} Productivity also remained the same, or improved across the majority of all the workplaces, according to UK think tank Autonomy and the Icelandic Association for Sustainable Democracy.{{Cite news |last1=Pohjanpalo |first1=Kati |date=July 6, 2021 |title=Iceland Cuts Working Hours With No Productivity Loss, Same Pay |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-06/iceland-cuts-working-hours-with-no-productivity-loss-same-pay |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714080859/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-06/iceland-cuts-working-hours-with-no-productivity-loss-same-pay |url-status=live }} While framed as a "four-day week", the trial was for reduced working hours, not necessarily compressed within four days, from 40 to 35 and 36 hours.{{Cite news |date=2021-07-05 |title=Four-day week 'an overwhelming success' in Iceland |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57724779 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210123228/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57724779 |url-status=live }} The study ran two large-scale trials and included more than 1% of Iceland's entire population.{{Cite web |title=Going public: Iceland's journey to a shorter working week |url=https://en.alda.is/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ICELAND_4DW.pdf |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=ALDA - Association for sustainable democracy |language=EN-ENG |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223192154/https://en.alda.is/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ICELAND_4DW.pdf |url-status=live }} The vast majority of the workplaces removed up to three hours from the week, not eight, as would be needed in a four-day week. Agreements to reduce work hours following the trial have led to a reduction of an hour or less.{{Cite web |last1=Veal |first1=Anthony |date=July 13, 2021 |title=Follow Up: Was Iceland's 'Four-Day Week' Was as Successful as Advertised? |url=https://interestingengineering.com/was-icelands-four-day-work-week-was-as-successful-as-advertised |access-date=January 2, 2022 |work=Interesting Engineering |language=en-US |agency=The Conversation |archive-date=January 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102032406/https://interestingengineering.com/was-icelands-four-day-work-week-was-as-successful-as-advertised |url-status=live }} Due to these factors, the study was perceived to be an "overwhelming success", with 86% of the population working in wage labour later receiving permanent reductions in time spent at work through negotiations.{{cite news|title=Island drar ner på arbetstiden|url=https://www.arbetaren.se/2021/07/09/island-drar-ner-pa-arbetstiden/|access-date=25 February 2023|work=Arbetaren|archive-date=February 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225134219/https://www.arbetaren.se/2021/07/09/island-drar-ner-pa-arbetstiden/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Going public: Iceland's journey to a shorter working week |url=https://en.alda.is/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ICELAND_4DW.pdf |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=ALDA – Association for sustainable democracy |language=EN-ENG |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223192154/https://en.alda.is/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ICELAND_4DW.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=The Shorter Work Week Really Worked in Iceland. Here's How|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-14/the-shorter-work-week-really-worked-in-iceland-here-s-how?leadSource=uverify%20wall|access-date=25 February 2023|work=Bloomberg|archive-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707202900/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-14/the-shorter-work-week-really-worked-in-iceland-here-s-how?leadSource=uverify%20wall|url-status=live}}

In New Zealand, trust company Perpetual Guardian announced in February 2018 that it would begin trialing a four-day work week in March 2018.{{Cite news |title=Kiwi firm Perpetual Guardian to test four-day week with workers on full pay |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11990203 |access-date=February 26, 2018 |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227153646/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11990203 |url-status=live }} The six-week trial, initiated by founder Andrew Barnes, saw the company's 240-plus staff nominating a day off each week whilst still receiving full pay.{{Cite news |title=New Zealand trust company trials three-day weekends for employees |work=9Finance Australia |url=https://finance.nine.com.au/2018/02/08/13/58/new-zealand-trust-company-introduces-three-day-weekend |access-date=February 26, 2018 |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227153354/https://finance.nine.com.au/2018/02/08/13/58/new-zealand-trust-company-introduces-three-day-weekend |url-status=live }} The trial, held in March and April 2018, attracted international media attention.{{Cite news |title=Work four days, get paid for five: New Zealand company's new shorter week |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/09/work-four-days-get-paid-for-five-new-zealand-companys-new-shorter-week |access-date=February 26, 2018 |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227153525/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/09/work-four-days-get-paid-for-five-new-zealand-companys-new-shorter-week |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=New Zealand company to trial four-day work week |work=The Straits Times |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/new-zealand-company-to-trial-four-day-work-week |access-date=February 26, 2018 |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227153421/http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/new-zealand-company-to-trial-four-day-work-week |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Στη Νέα Ζηλανδία μία εταιρεία θα πληρώνει τους υπαλλήλους της για πέντε μέρες εργασίας ενώ θα δουλεύουν τέσσερις |work=HuffPost Greece |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.gr/entry/ste-nea-zelandia-mia-etaireia-tha-pleronei-toes-eryazomenoes-yia-pente-meres-eryasias-eno-tha-doeleeoen-tesseris_gr_5a7d4d75e4b08dfc93028990 |access-date=February 26, 2018 |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227094255/http://www.huffingtonpost.gr/entry/ste-nea-zelandia-mia-etaireia-tha-pleronei-toes-eryazomenoes-yia-pente-meres-eryasias-eno-tha-doeleeoen-tesseris_gr_5a7d4d75e4b08dfc93028990 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Quattro giorni di lavoro e cinque di paga: la sperimentazione di un'azienda neozelandese |work=Vanity Fair Italy |url=https://www.vanityfair.it/mybusiness/news-mybusiness/2018/02/10/quattro-giorni-lavoro-cinque-paga-sperimentazione-azienda-neozelandese-settimana-corta |access-date=February 26, 2018 |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227153509/https://www.vanityfair.it/mybusiness/news-mybusiness/2018/02/10/quattro-giorni-lavoro-cinque-paga-sperimentazione-azienda-neozelandese-settimana-corta |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Perpetual Guardian to test four-day week |work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/101258360/perpetual-guardian-to-test-fourday-week |access-date=February 26, 2018 |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307063840/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/101258360/perpetual-guardian-to-test-fourday-week |url-status=live }} In late March 2018, Barnes noted that the trial was going well with staff reporting more time for their families, hobbies, completing their to-do lists and doing home maintenance.{{Cite news |title='Heck it was productive': New Zealand company trials four-day work week .... but will it stick? |language=en |work=South China Morning Post |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/2139655/heck-it-was-productive-new-zealand-company-trials-four-day |access-date=April 2, 2018 |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330082008/http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/2139655/heck-it-was-productive-new-zealand-company-trials-four-day |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2018 |title=Perpetual Guardian's four-day working week trial going well |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/102741507/perpetual-guardians-fourday-working-week-trial-going-well |access-date=April 2, 2018 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=April 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403173553/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/102741507/perpetual-guardians-fourday-working-week-trial-going-well |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=March 29, 2018 |title=Workers embrace four-day week at Perpetual Guardian - NZ Herald |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/workers-embrace-four-day-week-at-perpetual-guardian/F2TIND4VTIQ5QV52NBFL7AJHRY/ |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190456/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/workers-embrace-four-day-week-at-perpetual-guardian/F2TIND4VTIQ5QV52NBFL7AJHRY/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Peters |first=Lucia |title=A Company Is Testing Out Four-Day Work Weeks — And It's Having MASSIVE Success |language=en |work=Bustle |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/a-new-zealand-company-tried-out-four-day-work-weeks-its-making-a-strong-case-for-longer-weekends-8691783 |access-date=April 5, 2018 |archive-date=April 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405090423/https://www.bustle.com/p/a-new-zealand-company-tried-out-four-day-work-weeks-its-making-a-strong-case-for-longer-weekends-8691783 |url-status=live }}

The trial, which was tracked and assessed by the University of Auckland Business School and Auckland University of Technology,{{Cite news |title=Kiwi company trials four-day working week for more 'energised, engaged workforce' |language=en-NZ |work=TVNZ |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/kiwi-company-trials-four-day-working-week-more-energised-engaged-workforce |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724062903/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/kiwi-company-trials-four-day-working-week-more-energised-engaged-workforce |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Kiwi company trials four-day working week for more 'energised, engaged workforce' |language=en-NZ |work=TVNZ |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/kiwi-company-trials-four-day-working-week-more-energised-engaged-workforce |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202224651/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/kiwi-company-trials-four-day-working-week-more-energised-engaged-workforce |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2018 |title=Working four-day weeks for five days' pay? Research shows it pays off |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/105735895/working-fourday-weeks-for-five-days-pay-research-shows-it-pays-off |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142303/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/105735895/working-fourday-weeks-for-five-days-pay-research-shows-it-pays-off |url-status=live }} was described as a success{{Cite news |last=Yeung |first=Jessie |title=A New Zealand company tried a four-day work week. It was a 'resounding success' |work=CNNMoney |url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/07/19/news/economy/new-zealand-four-day-work-week-perpetual-guardian/index.html |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331212752/https://money.cnn.com/2018/07/19/news/economy/new-zealand-four-day-work-week-perpetual-guardian/index.html |url-status=live }} and "a total win-win".{{Cite web |title=Seven Sharp |url=https://www.facebook.com/sevensharp/videos/10156709453262268/ |access-date=July 24, 2018 |website=Facebook.com |language=en |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412154939/https://www.facebook.com/sevensharp/videos/10156709453262268/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Perpetual Guardian founder Andrew Barnes hails four-day week trial |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/07/perpetual-guardian-founder-andrew-barnes-hails-four-day-week-trial.html |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703154746/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/07/perpetual-guardian-founder-andrew-barnes-hails-four-day-week-trial.html |url-status=dead }} Perpetual Guardian then extended the four-day work week scheme permanently.{{Cite web |date=October 2018 |title=Perpetual Guardian makes four-day week permanent |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/107525245/perpetual-guardian-makes-fourday-week-permanent |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920184610/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/107525245/perpetual-guardian-makes-fourday-week-permanent |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2018 |title=Why this company switched to a four-day work week |url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/08/16/company-switched-four-day-work-week.html |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=CNBC |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231121850/https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/08/16/company-switched-four-day-work-week.html |url-status=live }} The trial saw increased productivity,{{Cite news |title=Kiwi business hails four-day work week trial |language=en-NZ |work=RadioLIVE |url=https://www.radiolive.co.nz/home/on-demand/the-am-show/2018/07/kiwi-business-hails-four-day-work-week-trial-.html |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142132/https://www.radiolive.co.nz/home/on-demand/the-am-show/2018/07/kiwi-business-hails-four-day-work-week-trial-.html |url-status=live }} customer engagement levels,{{Cite news |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Perpetual Guardian founder Andrew Barnes hails four-day week trial |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/07/perpetual-guardian-founder-andrew-barnes-hails-four-day-week-trial.html |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703154746/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/07/perpetual-guardian-founder-andrew-barnes-hails-four-day-week-trial.html |url-status=dead }} and staff engagement;{{Cite news |date=July 21, 2018 |title=Four-day working week trial at Perpetual Guardian a success, boss wants to make it permanent |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12090637 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225074529/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12090637 |archive-date=December 25, 2018}} reduced staff stress levels;{{Cite news |last=Lea |first=Brittany De |date=July 19, 2018 |title=New Zealand company tested four-day work week, results may surprise you |language=en-US |work=Fox Business |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/new-zealand-company-tested-four-day-work-week-results-may-surprise-you |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=January 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113151240/https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/new-zealand-company-tested-four-day-work-week-results-may-surprise-you |url-status=live }} and improved work–life balance.{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2018 |title=Perpetual Guardian improves work-life balance using four-day week |url=https://www.employeebenefits.co.uk/issues/july-2018/perpetual-guardian-four-day-week/ |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=Employeebenefits.co.uk |language=en-GB |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142216/https://www.employeebenefits.co.uk/issues/july-2018/perpetual-guardian-four-day-week/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Eleanor Ainge |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Work less, get more: New Zealand firm's four-day week an 'unmitigated success' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/19/work-less-get-more-new-zealand-firms-four-day-week-an-unmitigated-success |access-date=July 24, 2018 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724033738/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/19/work-less-get-more-new-zealand-firms-four-day-week-an-unmitigated-success |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=A 4-Day Workweek? A Test Run Shows a Surprising Result |work=The New York Times |date=July 19, 2018 |language=en |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/world/asia/four-day-workweek-new-zealand.html |access-date=November 29, 2018 |last1=Graham-Mclay |first1=Charlotte |archive-date=December 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210180123/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/world/asia/four-day-workweek-new-zealand.html |url-status=live }} The company's revenue remained stable while costs went down, due to less power being used throughout the period.

The trial sparked publicity both in New Zealand{{Cite news |last=Venuto |first=Damien |title=Four-day working week may become permanent for Kiwi company |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/andrew-barnes-perpetual-guardian-boss-wants-to-make-four-day-work-week-permanent/ |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142346/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/andrew-barnes-perpetual-guardian-boss-wants-to-make-four-day-work-week-permanent/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=July 21, 2018 |title=Four-day working week trial at Perpetual Guardian a success, boss wants to make it permanent |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12090637 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225074529/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12090637 |archive-date=December 25, 2018}}{{Cite news |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Four-day week. Yes we can! |language=en-nz |work=Radio New Zealand |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018654118/four-day-week-yes-we-can |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142142/https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018654118/four-day-week-yes-we-can |url-status=live }} and internationally.{{Cite news |title=A 4-Day Workweek? A Test Run Shows a Surprising Result |language=en |work=The New York Times |date=July 19, 2018 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/world/asia/four-day-workweek-new-zealand.html |access-date=July 24, 2018 |last1=Graham-Mclay |first1=Charlotte |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723210123/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/world/asia/four-day-workweek-new-zealand.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title='We've seen a massive increase in engagement' |work=NewsComAu |url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/kiwi-firm-says-fourday-work-week-trial-a-success-aims-to-make-it-permanent/news-story/2e6b1f97f22f45fb4d39fdf0f1d995f4 |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724094607/https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/kiwi-firm-says-fourday-work-week-trial-a-success-aims-to-make-it-permanent/news-story/2e6b1f97f22f45fb4d39fdf0f1d995f4 |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=Would a four-day working week boost productivity? |date=July 18, 2018 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/would-a-4-day-working-week-boost-productivity/10009710 |language=en-AU |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808151523/http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/would-a-4-day-working-week-boost-productivity/10009710 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Company Tests 4-Day Work Week, Employees Return Energised After Long Weekend - WORLD OF BUZZ |url=https://www.worldofbuzz.com/company-tests-4-day-work-week-employees-return-energised-after-long-weekend/ |access-date=July 24, 2018 |website=Worldofbuzz.com |language=en-US |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724064142/https://www.worldofbuzz.com/company-tests-4-day-work-week-employees-return-energised-after-long-weekend/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=(www.dw.com) |first=Deutsche Welle |title=New Zealand company switches to four-day working week {{!}} DW {{!}} July 18, 2018 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/new-zealand-company-switches-to-four-day-working-week/a-44718427 |access-date=July 24, 2018 |website=DW.COM |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724062902/https://www.dw.com/en/new-zealand-company-switches-to-four-day-working-week/a-44718427 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Four-Day Workweeks Create More Productive Employees, New Study Shows |language=en |work=PEOPLE.com |url=https://people.com/human-interest/study-four-day-workweek-increased-productivity/?xid=socialflow_facebook_peoplemag |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401020646/https://people.com/human-interest/study-four-day-workweek-increased-productivity/?xid=socialflow_facebook_peoplemag |url-status=live }} New Zealand workplace relations minister Iain Lees-Galloway said the trial was "fascinating".{{Cite news |date=July 19, 2018 |title=Four-day work week trial 'very interesting' - Workplace Relations Minister Iain Lees-Galloway |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/07/four-day-work-week-trial-very-interesting-workplace-relations-minister-iain-lees-galloway.html |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703154809/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/07/four-day-work-week-trial-very-interesting-workplace-relations-minister-iain-lees-galloway.html |url-status=dead }}

The initiative was held up by Barnes as a way of helping to close the gender pay gap and increase diversity in the workforce.{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2018 |title=Four-day working week trial a bonus for working mums |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/105562168/fourday-working-week-trial-a-bonus-for-working-mums |access-date=July 24, 2018 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724093454/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/105562168/fourday-working-week-trial-a-bonus-for-working-mums |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=July 29, 2018 |title=Kate Hawkesby: Why women should negotiate their pay based on productivity |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kate-hawkesby-why-women-should-negotiate-their-pay-based-on-productivity/EYZGFPM4GOSEEMDK2JQUAZXILY/ |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185809/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kate-hawkesby-why-women-should-negotiate-their-pay-based-on-productivity/EYZGFPM4GOSEEMDK2JQUAZXILY/ |url-status=live }} Barnes also held the scheme up as a potential blueprint for the workplace of the future, ensuring companies were attractive to millennials{{Cite web |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Millennials are rejecting the 9-5 workday |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/105570821/millennials-are-rejecting-the-95-workday |access-date=July 24, 2018 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724093354/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/105570821/millennials-are-rejecting-the-95-workday |url-status=live }} and easing Auckland's traffic congestion.{{cite news |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Four-day week could help to ease Auckland's traffic woes |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/four-day-week-could-help-to-ease-aucklands-traffic-woes/HIMWNUI3QQMVKQDFCVX5VCZYKU/ |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184523/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/four-day-week-could-help-to-ease-aucklands-traffic-woes/HIMWNUI3QQMVKQDFCVX5VCZYKU/ |url-status=live }}

However, while four-day work weeks were deemed a success for most, not everyone involved within the Perpetual Guardian trial was able to adapt, with some reporting feeling increased pressure to complete work within a shorter time frame, particularly around deadlines.{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2018 |title='Would rather come to work': Four-day working week trial a success, but didn't work for everyone |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/give-this-a-go-four-day-working-week-a-big-success-for-this-company-20180718-p4zs2i.html |access-date=July 24, 2018 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904202456/https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/give-this-a-go-four-day-working-week-a-big-success-for-this-company-20180718-p4zs2i.html |url-status=live }}

Microsoft Japan conducted a trial four-day work week in summer 2019, granting workers paid leave on Fridays. At the same time it cut the length of most meetings from a full hour to half an hour, and capped attendance at five employees. For the duration of the trial, the company reported a 23% reduction in electricity costs.{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/11/04/776163853/microsoft-japan-says-4-day-workweek-boosted-workers-productivity-by-40 |title=4-Day Workweek Boosted Workers' Productivity By 40%, Microsoft Japan Says |website=NPR |access-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209190357/https://www.npr.org/2019/11/04/776163853/microsoft-japan-says-4-day-workweek-boosted-workers-productivity-by-40 |url-status=live }} Sales per employee increased 40% during the last year's same period.{{Cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Jon |date=November 5, 2019 |title=Microsoft Japan's four-day working week trial led to productivity improvements |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/5/20949366/microsoft-japan-four-day-working-week-trial-pilot-program-productivity-improvement-cost-decrease |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625061133/https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/5/20949366/microsoft-japan-four-day-working-week-trial-pilot-program-productivity-improvement-cost-decrease |url-status=live }}

In 2023, Valencia, Spain, implemented a pilot program scheduling local holidays on four consecutive Mondays, resulting in a four-day workweek for 360,000 workers. This initiative, designed by the left-wing Compromis coalition, showed notable health benefits, including reduced stress and improved air quality due to decreased vehicle emissions. Participants developed healthier habits, although there was an increase in tobacco and alcohol use. The program also positively impacted children's well-being through improved parental work-life balance. Hospitality and tourism saw increased activity, while retail experienced a decline in sales.{{cite web | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/four-day-work-week-boosts-spanish-workers-health-pilot-programme-shows-2023-10-17/ | title=Four-day work week boosts Spanish workers' health, pilot programme shows | work=Reuters }}

As of July 2022, more than 80 UK companies and organisations are recognised as having permanently implemented a four-day working week of fewer than 35 hours, with most doing fewer than 32 hours.{{Cite web |date=26 July 2022 |title=Accredited 4 Day Week Employers |url=https://www.4dayweek.co.uk/employers |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=UK 4 Day Week Campaign |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726223000/https://www.4dayweek.co.uk/employers }} These include: the consultancy Think Productive, which has been doing a four-day week since 2011;{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2019 |title='The four-day week: who's making it work?' |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2019-04-17/the-four-day-week-whos-making-it-work/ |access-date=May 20, 2019 |website=ITV News |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923145507/https://www.itv.com/news/2019-04-17/the-four-day-week-whos-making-it-work/ |url-status=live }} Plymouth-based Portcullis Legals, which has highlighted improvement with productivity and stress levels among staff, whilst providing higher levels of satisfaction amongst its clients;{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} Cornwall-based accountancy firm Whyfield; Bristol and Devon-based Barefoot Architects;{{Cite web |title=Making a progressive leap in 2020 as we introduce a 4-day working week. |url=https://barefootarchitects.co.uk/barefootblog/2020/1/16/making-a-progressive-leap-in-2020-as-we-introduce-a-4-day-working-week |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=barefoot architects |language=en-US |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210122014/https://barefootarchitects.co.uk/barefootblog/2020/1/16/making-a-progressive-leap-in-2020-as-we-introduce-a-4-day-working-week |url-status=live }} gaming studio Big Potato Games;{{Cite web |title=Big Potato Games |url=https://bigpotato.co.uk/pages/story |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=Big Potato Games |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726221458/https://bigpotato.co.uk/pages/story }} Atom Bank,{{Cite news |date=2021-11-23 |title=Atom Bank introduces four-day working week without cutting pay |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59377940 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210132948/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59377940 |url-status=live }} Leeds-based recruitment agency Charlton Morris;{{Cite web |last=Wickens |first=Zoe |date=2021-11-08 |title=Charlton Morris launches four-day week |url=https://www.employeebenefits.co.uk/charlton-morris-launches-four-day-week/ |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=Employee Benefits |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210122017/https://www.employeebenefits.co.uk/charlton-morris-launches-four-day-week/ |url-status=live }} Suffolk-based manufacturing company CMG Technologies, which has been doing a four-day week since 2015;{{Cite web |last=www.integratedideas.co.uk |first=Integrated Ideas Agency Ltd- |title=CMG Technologies {{!}} About us {{!}} Specialist in MIM |url=https://cmgtechnologies.co.uk/about-cmg-technologies/ |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=CMG Technologies |language=en-US |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210140532/https://cmgtechnologies.co.uk/about-cmg-technologies/ |url-status=live }} Dorset-based Gungho Marketing; Southampton-based engineering firm Highfield Professional Solutions; and, Edinburgh-based Vault City Brewing.{{Cite web |title=Edinburgh firm is first brewer in UK to introduce four day week after pilot success |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19922608.edinburgh-brewer-vault-city-opts-four-day-week-pilot-success/ |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=HeraldScotland |date=February 14, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210122013/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19922608.edinburgh-brewer-vault-city-opts-four-day-week-pilot-success/ |url-status=live }}

Of the 73 enterprises in the study, 41 firms answered to a survey midway through the plan. Nearly 86% of those polled stated they would continue to follow the four-day workweek guideline when the experiment is over. According to 4 Day Week, employees experienced decreased childcare and commute expenditures, which resulted in an average annual savings of £3,232.40, or around £269.36 per month, for a parent with two children.{{Cite news |date=2022-02-11 |title='Four-day working week makes us more productive' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-60348188 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210131443/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-60348188 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2022-04-03 |title=Four-day week: What we do with our extra day off |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-60793832 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210125442/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-60793832 |url-status=live }} One London based law firm – IMD Solicitors reported improvements in productivity and profitability, with a 22% rise in turnover and a 29% increase in profit (year ending September 2024).{{Cite web |title=Four-day work week |url=https://imd.co.uk/about-us/4-days-work-week/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=IMD Solicitors {{!}} Legal Solutions for Global Families |language=en-GB}} As 50% of workers claim improved productivity during the period, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) announces it will permanently provide a four-day workweek to its 820 employees (although with 36 hours instead of 48).{{Cite news |date=2022-07-04 |title=Coventry: Four-day week offered to 820 tech firm staff |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-62035309 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210125044/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-62035309 |url-status=live }} According to Loughborough University, which undertook an external study, the staff's reaction was "overwhelmingly favourable," and for more recent hires, the policies were one of the primary draws. According to survey results, maintaining a "work-life balance" was important to respondents. However, some companies in the scheme found the move to reduced hours "trickier".{{Cite web |date=2022-09-25 |title=MP submits four-day week bill to Parliament |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-63026695 |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210125045/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-63026695 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2019-05-04 |title=Could your firm move to a four-day week? |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48125411 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210125441/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48125411 |url-status=live }}

A first for a UK local body, South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) opted to proceed with the experiment of a four-day workweek (30-hour workweek) for roughly 470 desk-based employees. Staff will receive the same full-time compensation during the trial, which will last three months starting in January 2023. The decision, according to council leader Bridget Smith, will improve employee welfare.{{Cite news |date=2022-09-02 |title=South Cambridgeshire Council 'first' to trial four-day working week |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-62770321 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210125045/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-62770321 |url-status=live }} Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, said: "The decision by South Cambridgeshire District Council to outline plans to become the first ever UK local authority to trial a four-day week is historic and should be applauded." However, Anthony Browne, South Cambridgeshire MP, criticised the move, accusing the SCDC of "charging the taxpayer for the privilege".{{Cite news |date=2022-09-08 |title=MP criticises South Cambridgeshire council's four-day week plans |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-62833023 |access-date=2022-12-10 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210125043/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-62833023 |url-status=live }} The district council had planned extend its trial until April 2024 but in June 2023 local government minister, Lee Rowle, ordered that the council the end the trial because it was not permitted under the Local Government Act.{{Cite news |last=Hussen |first=Dahaba Ali |date=1 July 2023 |title=Minister orders halt to Cambridgeshire council's four-day week trial |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/01/minister-orders-halt-to-cambridgeshire-councils-four-day-week-trial |access-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701120234/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/01/minister-orders-halt-to-cambridgeshire-councils-four-day-week-trial |archive-date=1 July 2023 |issn=0261-3077}} In the face of opposition from Conservative ministers, backed by the TaxPayers' Alliance, shorter hours are to be introduced in neighbouring Cambridge city council, and eight other English councils are said to be considering testing shorter working weeks. Glasgow city council was monitoring the pilot programmes and described the four-day working week as "an aspirational position".{{Cite news |last1=Booth |first1=Robert |date=7 July 2023 |title=Rightwing lobby group campaigns to undermine UK four-day week |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/07/rightwing-lobby-group-campaigns-to-undermine-uk-four-day-week |access-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163254/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/07/rightwing-lobby-group-campaigns-to-undermine-uk-four-day-week |archive-date=7 July 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}

Regarding the 4 Day Week Global trial organised by think-tank Autonomy and researchers at Boston College and the universities of Cambridge and Oxford, the trial involved 61 companies and almost 3,000 workers {{Cite web |title=The results are in: the UK's four-day week pilot |url=https://autonomy.work/portfolio/uk4dwpilotresults/ |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=Autonomy |language=en-GB |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313131912/https://autonomy.work/portfolio/uk4dwpilotresults/ |url-status=live }} The trial's findings suggest that more than nine out of 10 companies that adopted a four-day working week in the UK will continue to use the more flexible way of operating.{{Cite web |last=Marra |first=Miriam |title=The UK's four-day working week pilot was a success – here's what should happen next |url=http://theconversation.com/the-uks-four-day-working-week-pilot-was-a-success-heres-what-should-happen-next-200502 |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=The Conversation |date=February 24, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329164048/http://theconversation.com/the-uks-four-day-working-week-pilot-was-a-success-heres-what-should-happen-next-200502 |url-status=live }} Specifically, 18 firms decided to maintain the four-day working week on a permanent basis, and 38 others will continue with the trial.{{Cite news |date=2023-02-21 |title=Most companies in UK four-day week trial to continue with flexible working |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c8fba26c-326d-4053-9b3c-59e06f0b31fb |access-date=2023-03-29 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329164047/https://www.ft.com/content/c8fba26c-326d-4053-9b3c-59e06f0b31fb |url-status=live }} Over the trial period, revenue at participating companies rose on average more than a third compared with the same time in 2021, and the number of staff leaving companies fell significantly.{{Cite news |last=Stewart |first=Heather |date=2023-02-21 |title=Four-day week: 'major breakthrough' as most UK firms in trial extend changes |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/feb/21/four-day-week-uk-trial-success-pattern |access-date=2023-03-29 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329164047/https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/feb/21/four-day-week-uk-trial-success-pattern |url-status=live }}

The 4 days workweek was discussed in House of Lords on 5 September 2022 when Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle questioned if the government is considering the measure especially after Jacob Rees-Mogg announced a crack down on flexitime. Lord Callanan emphasised that government is assessing the measure.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-05 |title=Four-Day Working Week |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2022-09-05/debates/F6C0712C-744B-4804-9BB2-BDEDEB33B153/Four-DayWorkingWeek |website=House of Lords |access-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210164610/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2022-09-05/debates/F6C0712C-744B-4804-9BB2-BDEDEB33B153/Four-DayWorkingWeek |url-status=live }} According to Peter Dowd, Labour MP for Bootle in Merseyside, cutting the number of hours worked each week to 32 would provide "every British worker the chance of moving to a four-day week." Dowd stated: "I am introducing this legislation because we're long overdue a shorter working week". The bill to mandate 4 days workweek was debated in the House of Commons on October 18, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Hurst |first=Luke |date=2022-10-18 |title=UK parliament to hear case for mandatory four-day working week |url=https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/10/18/four-day-workweek-mps-to-hear-case-for-reduced-work-hours-amid-major-uk-pilot-scheme |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=euronews |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210164612/https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/10/18/four-day-workweek-mps-to-hear-case-for-reduced-work-hours-amid-major-uk-pilot-scheme |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-10-18 |title=Workers one day closer to a four-day week after bill introduced to Commons |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2022-10-18/workers-one-day-closer-to-a-four-day-week-after-bill-introduced-to-commons |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=ITV News |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210164611/https://www.itv.com/news/2022-10-18/workers-one-day-closer-to-a-four-day-week-after-bill-introduced-to-commons |url-status=live }} Before it can become law, it must successfully pass through a number of phases.{{Cite web |title=What is a bill? |url=https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/laws/bills/ |website=UK Parliament |access-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210125049/https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/laws/bills/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2023 the Scottish government announced the trial of a four-day working week by the end of 2023.{{Cite news |last=Carrell |first=Severin |last2= |first2= |date=2023-09-04 |title=Scottish government plans trial of four-day week in civil service |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/04/four-day-week-scotland-civil-servants-pilot-trial-humza-yousaf |access-date=2023-09-21 |issn=0261-3077}}

In 2008, employees of the Utah state government all began working ten-hour days from Monday to Thursday.{{cite journal |last1=Facer |first1=Rex L. |last2=Wadsworth |first2=Lori L. |date=May 2010 |title=Four-day work weeks: Current research and practice |journal=Connecticut Law Review |volume=42 |issue=4 |pages=1031–1046 |url=https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals%2Fconlr42&div=33&id=&page= |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185701/https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals%2Fconlr42&div=33&id=&page= |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Utah is going to a 4-day workweek |agency=Associated Press |date=July 3, 2008 |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25518225 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-date=May 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526100507/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/25518225/ |url-status=live }}

By closing state government offices on Fridays, the state expected to save on operating costs such as electricity, heat, air conditioning, and gasoline for state-owned vehicles. Utah ended this practice however, in 2011, with the Utah Legislature overriding Governor Gary Herbert's veto of five-day work week legislation.Heather Kerrigan, [http://www.governing.com/columns/utahs-demise-of-the-four-day-work-week.html Utah's Demise of the Four-Day Workweek] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216085949/http://www.governing.com/columns/utahs-demise-of-the-four-day-work-week.html |date=February 16, 2016 }}, Governing (July 13, 2011). Many local governments have had alternative schedules for many years.{{cite journal |last1=Wadsworth |first1=Lori L. |last2=Facer |first2=Rex L. |last3=Arbon |first3=Chyleen A. |title=Alternative Work Schedules in Local Government: Cui Bono? |journal=Review of Public Personnel Administration |date=September 1, 2010 |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=322–340 |doi=10.1177/0734371X10368223 |s2cid=154224973 }}{{cite journal |last1=Facer |first1=Rex L. |last2=Wadsworth |first2=Lori |title=Alternative Work Schedules and Work–Family Balance: A Research Note |journal=Review of Public Personnel Administration |date=June 2008 |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=166–177 |doi=10.1177/0734371X08315138 |s2cid=154667925 }}{{cite book |first1=Rex L. |last1=Facer |first2=Lori L. |last2=Wadsworth |first3=Chyleen |last3=Arbon |chapter=Cities Leading the Way: The Use of Alternative Work Schedules by Cities |pages=28–33 |title=The municipal year book 2009 |date=2009 |isbn=978-0-87326-571-3 |oclc=874180062 }}

Due to budgetary problems, public schools in Hawaii closed on 17 Fridays in 2010.{{cite news |title=Schools' New Math: The Four-Day Week |first=Chris |last=Herring |date=March 8, 2010 |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704869304575104124088312524 |access-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617112615/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704869304575104124088312524 |url-status=live }} In 2002, it was reported that over 100 school districts in rural areas in the United States have changed the school week to a four-day week; most also extended each school day by an hour or more.{{cite news |title=In rural areas, the four-day school week is growing in popularity |agency=Associated Press |first=Greg |last=Toppo |date=August 20, 2002 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0820/p14s02-lecs.html |access-date=July 24, 2008 |archive-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804214448/http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0820/p14s02-lecs.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Four-Day School Weeks |work=National Conference of State Legislatures |access-date=February 3, 2011 |url=http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=12934 |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707083751/http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=12934 |url-status=live }} The changes were often made in order to save money on transportation, heating, and substitute teachers.

According to a 2021 study, which examined four-day school weeks in Oregon, the switch to four-day school weeks led to lower test scores in reading and math.{{cite journal |last1=Thompson |first1=Paul N. |title=Is four less than five? Effects of four-day school weeks on student achievement in Oregon |journal=Journal of Public Economics |date=January 2021 |volume=193 |pages=104308 |doi=10.1016/j.jpubeco.2020.104308 |s2cid=229397116 }}

In January 2022, D'Youville University announced a transition to a 4-day, 32-hour work week for all staff and administration without any change to employees pay or benefits.{{Cite web|last=Kaplan|first=Juliana|date=January 11, 2022|title=A college in upstate New York is shortening the work week to 32 hours, but pay and benefits are staying the same|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/college-in-new-york-trying-32-hour-workweek-great-resignation-2022-1|url-status=live|access-date=January 21, 2022|website=Business Insider|archive-date=January 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111202345/https://www.businessinsider.com/college-in-new-york-trying-32-hour-workweek-great-resignation-2022-1}} The employees were previously working 37.5 hours per week. This initiative was a follow-up to a pilot program in 2020 which received positive feedback from employees.{{Cite web|last=Redden|first=Elizabeth|date=January 10, 2021|title=A 4-Day Workweek|url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/01/10/dyouville-college-shifts-four-day-32-hour-workweek|url-status=live|access-date=January 21, 2022|website=Inside HigherEd|archive-date=January 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110082140/https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/01/10/dyouville-college-shifts-four-day-32-hour-workweek}} The program started as a 6-month trial before eventually being made permanent.{{Cite web|last=Schwartz|first=Natalie|date=January 7, 2022|title=Inside one college's move to a 4-day workweek|url=https://www.highereddive.com/news/inside-one-colleges-move-to-a-4-day-workweek/616862/|url-status=live|access-date=January 21, 2022|website=Higher Ed Dive|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121222058/https://www.highereddive.com/news/inside-one-colleges-move-to-a-4-day-workweek/616862/}}{{Cite web |last=Glynn |first=Matt |date=2023-03-09 |title=Time for a change: Inside the switch to a four-day workweek |url=https://buffalonews.com/business/local/time-for-a-change-inside-the-switch-to-a-four-day-workweek/article_a417713e-abe0-11ed-9157-4b02b5544da0.html |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Buffalo News |language=en}}

In The Gambia, a four-day work week was introduced for public officials by president Yahya Jammeh, effective February 1, 2013. Working hours were limited to Monday through Thursday, 08:00 to 18:00, with Friday designated as a day of rest to allow residents more time for prayer and agriculture. This regulation was abolished in early 2017 by his successor, president Adama Barrow, who decreed a half-day of work on Fridays.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38856604|title=Gambia's President Barrow scraps Jammeh's four-day week|work=BBC News |date=February 3, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2017|archive-date=December 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203162428/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38856604|url-status=live}}

{{Portal|Organized Labour}}

• Critique of work
• 35-hour workweek
• Furlough
• Six-hour day
• Three-Day Week
• Working time
• Weekend
• Work–life interface

{{reflist}}

• [https://4dayweek.com/ 4 Day Week Global Campaign]
• [https://4dayweekus.org 4 Day Week U.S. Campaign]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624100436/https://www.4dayweekus.org/ |date=June 24, 2021 }}.
• [https://www.4dayweek.co.uk/ 4 Day Week UK Campaign] with further [https://www.4dayweek.co.uk/research research]

{{Critique of work}}{{Employment}}

Category:Human resource management

Category:Working time

Category:Labor rights

Category:Weeks

Category:Work–life balance