The four-day week… is it a fad? Is it for quirky sectors only? Maybe this arrangement is just an experiment?

No. The UK’s latest research results are in, and they’re loud and clear: the four-day work week works. Not just in theory but for real organisations, from private companies to local councils.

Research analysed the impact of working 32 hours each week but across four days with no loss of pay or benefits. The results are staggering:

• 98% of staff judged morale and motivation to have improved.
• Sick days for psychological reasons dropped by 25.7%.
• Mental health improved by 18.4% and work stress dropped by the same amount.

One of the biggest UK pilots wrapped up in 2025, involving 17 companies and around 1,000 workers. Every single employer adopted the model permanently. Wow!

(Sources: The Autonomy Institute, The Guardian, BBC)

100% pay, 80% time and still 100% output. It’s a winning combination.

Employees love it. Here are four reasons why it’s great for organisations too:

1. Boosted Wellbeing. Workers report better work-life balance, higher energy and less Sunday-night anxiety. This means less sick leave and increased job satisfaction. Everyone wins!
2. Better recruitment and retention. Younger workers expect flexibility. Organisations offering shorter weeks are leading the talent race, leaving other employers wondering why their vacancy adverts aren’t working.
3. Longevity: AI is organisations’ secret weapon in making shorter weeks work. Technology is streamlining admin, speeding processes and freeing people to concentrate on what people do best.
4. Proven success: The World Economic Forum estimates that 2.7 million UK workers (almost 11%) are already living the four-day-week life. It works.

Careful Communication

‘Companies adopting this way of working need to think through how to communicate it to employees and customers. This is especially true for private sector organisations,’ says Emma Clack of Heneom HR, the HR company based near Stevenage and Welwyn. ‘It’s important to remember the fifth day isn’t a paid day off – it’s a non-working day. Its hours have been covered within the other four working days.’

The four-day work week isn’t a trend. It’s a deliberate strategy aiming to attract and retain talent. It’s happening now. Employees are expecting flexibility. Business owners and HR teams need to consider this way of working.

How could a four-day week work for your organisation?

Talk to Emma at Heneom HR. Explore how you can gain the benefits for your people and your organisation.

The results are worth it!