More than 70 companies and organisations with over 3,000 staff are taking part in a pilot four-day working week, with no loss of pay for the employees.
So,that’s 100% of the pay for 80% of the time, as long as at least 100% productivity is maintained.
Similar pilot schemes are running in other parts of the world, including Canada, USA, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Work-life balance is key to a happier and potentially more productive workforce. Although the four-day week addresses the time issue, there may be potential problems that extra pressure may be felt by employees trying to get everything done in the reduced hours leading to increased stress and burnout, with a potential knock-on of reduced quality of work.
The pilot will be closely monitored and measured and a report will be produced at the end of the trial. Will this result in a sea-change or is it just wishful thinking?
