Pilot Results | 4 Day Week (2024)

The results of the world's biggest ever four-day working week pilot which took place in the UK were revealed in February 2023 with almost every company that took part deciding to continue with a four-day week, with no loss of pay for workers.

In a report published by the think tank Autonomy and leading academics at the University of Cambridge and Boston College in the US, the results show that:

Almost every company (92%) that took part has decided to continue with the four-day week after the pilot. Of the 61 companies that participated, at least 56 are continuing with the four-day week, with 18 saying the policy is a permanent change
The vast majority of companies were satisfied that business performance and productivity was maintained
Over the six-month trial period, stress and burnout for employees both significantly declined with 71% of employees reporting lower levels of burnout
Reported levels of anxiety, fatigue and sleep issues decreased, while mental and physical health both experienced improvements.
Measures of work-life balance improved. Respondents found it easier to balance their work with both family and social commitments, and were more satisfied with their household finances, relationships and how their time was being managed.
Other key business metrics showed signs of positive effects. Companies’ revenue stayed broadly the same, rising by 1.4% on average.
There was a substantial decline (57%) in the likelihood that an employee would quit, dramatically improving job retention.
There was a 65% reduction in the number of sick days

Organisations that took part in the pilot trialled a four-day week with no loss of pay for employees.

From a local chippy to large corporates, participating companies in the UK pilot provide products and services ranging from education to workplace consultancy; banking; care; financial services; IT software training; professional development and legal training; housing; automotive supply services; online retail; sustainable homecare; skincare; animation studios; building and construction recruitment services; food and beverage and hospitality; digital marketing; and comprehensive case management services for people recovering from traumatic injury.

Around 2,900 employees took part in the six-month trial overall, which kicked off at the beginning of June 2022 and was run by 4 Day Week Global in partnership with Autonomy, the 4 Day Week Campaign, and researchers at University of Cambridge and Boston College.

Joe Ryle, Director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, said:

“This is a major breakthrough moment for the movement towards a four-day working week.