Majority of companies in 4-day work week study make shorter week permanent

The results are in, and the four-day work week isn’t only good for workers – companies like it too. In a six-month UK study, 61 employers trialed a 4-day work week that asked employees to perform the same work in less time, and at the end of the trial period, 92% of participating employers chose to make the shorter week permanent. “This is in line with previous study we’ve seen before,” said Prof. Jean-Nicolas Reyt to CBC Radio’s Cross-Country Checkup with Ian Hanomansing. “We see a counterintuitive finding that you can work less, but maintain your overall productivity. It also has a positive effect on employees’ stress and anxiety, but also important metrics like attrition rate.” But it’s not as simple as simply flicking a switch and implementing the change. Participating companies prepared for months before the study began, and were coached and mentored on how to effectively implement the change.