The idea of a four-day working week used to be considered a pipedream that was not on the radar for the majority of employers and employees. However, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies around the world have given the set-up a go – and gathered promising results. But what are the benefits on both sides and are there any disadvantages could there be to having a long weekend?

Several reviews have been conducted by the UK government and worker organisations such as the Trades Union Congress (TUC) into the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing the new format of the working week. Reviews have highlighted factors such as productivity, worker well-being, and the potential impact on different industries.  Reports suggested that a shorter work week could reduce carbon emissions, boost productivity, and improve work-life balance for employees. Also noting that many employees in the UK already work more than 40 hours per week and that a 4-day workweek could help to address this issue.

While there is still much debate and discussion around the potential impact of a 4-day work week in the UK, many studies have suggested that it could have benefits for both employees and employers. However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider, and any implementation of a 4-day work week would need to be carefully planned and managed to ensure its success.

Let’s start with employers. 

After all, they are the decision maker. The impact of a 4-day work week on employers would depend on a variety of factors, including the industry, the size of the organisation, and the needs and preferences of employees. While there may be challenges to implementing a shorter work week, it could also offer benefits. So, what pros and cons should be considered from an employee perspective? 

Increased employee satisfaction and retention

Offering a 4-day work week could be a desirable benefit for employees, and may lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty. This could help to reduce staff turnover and recruitment costs for employers.

Improved productivity

Some studies have suggested that a 4-day work week can lead to increased productivity, as employees are more motivated and focused during their working hours. This could result in cost savings and higher output for employers.

Potential staffing challenges

Implementing a 4-day work week could require additional staffing to cover the lost day of work, which could create recruitment and training challenges for employers. Additionally, some industries may not be able to accommodate a 4-day work week due to the nature of the work or the needs of clients/customers.

Adjusting to new scheduling demands

Moving to a 4-day work week could require significant adjustments for employers, including changes to scheduling, workload management, and communication with clients/customers. This could take time and resources to implement successfully.

Compliance with employment laws

Employers would need to ensure that any changes to working hours comply with UK employment laws and regulations, including those related to minimum wage, overtime pay, and employee rights.

Moving on to the employee side. 

There are multiple factors that depend mainly on individual preferences and priorities, as well as the specific industry and job requirements. Some benefits and disadvantages could be:

Improved work-life balance

One of the main benefits of a 4-day work week is that it allows employees to have an extra day off each week. This can provide more time to spend with family and friends, pursue hobbies or interests, or simply relax and recharge. For job seekers who prioritise work-life balance, a 4-day work week could be a highly attractive benefit.

Reduced stress

Working long hours and/or a 5-day work week can be stressful and lead to burnout. A 4-day work week may reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being, which could be a major factor for job seekers when considering potential employers.

Competitive advantage

If a 4-day work week becomes more common in the UK, companies that offer it may have a competitive advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. This could make them more attractive to job seekers who are looking for flexible work arrangements and prioritise work-life balance.

Potential downsides

It’s important to note that a 4-day work week may not be suitable for everyone. Some employees may prefer the structure and routine of a traditional 5-day work week, while others may find it difficult to manage their workload in fewer days. Additionally, some industries may not be able to accommodate a 4-day work week due to the nature of the work or the demands of clients/customers.

As recruiters, we’re naturally going to consider the impact this will have on recruitment. 

Factors we’ve considered include the ability to attract talent. Offering a 4-day work week could be a desirable benefit for job seekers, especially those who prioritise work-life balance. This could make your organisation more attractive to potential employees, helping to attract top talent. Increased competition should also be considered – if a 4-day work week becomes more common in the UK, it could create a competitive disadvantage for companies that do not offer it. Organisations that continue to offer a traditional 5-day work week may find it harder to attract and retain employees. Staffing challenges: Depending on the nature of the business, implementing a 4-day work week may require hiring additional staff to cover the lost day of work. This could create challenges in terms of recruitment and training, particularly if the business is already struggling to find qualified workers. Furthermore, productivity comes into question. One potential downside of a 4-day work week is the risk of decreased productivity. If employees have less time to complete their tasks, it could result in a drop in output. However, some studies suggest that a shorter work week can actually increase productivity by boosting employee engagement and reducing burnout within the working days.

At Concept, we have implemented a ‘well-being Friday’ half-day for all our staff alongside our flexible working hours. We have found that this has improved our staff morale, reduced burnout throughout the week and improved employee work-life balance. Interested in working for us? Find out more about our benefits here.

In conclusion, the potential impact of a 4 day work week in the UK is a topic of ongoing debate and discussion. 

While some studies suggest that a shorter work week could lead to benefits such as improved work-life balance, increased employee satisfaction, and higher productivity, there are also potential drawbacks to consider, such as the need for additional staffing and the potential impact on certain industries, including the needs and preferences of employees, the impact on employers and industries, and the compliance with employment laws and regulations. Ultimately, any decision to implement a 4-day work week in the UK will need to be based on a careful analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks, and a clear understanding of the needs and priorities of both employees and employers.

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Looking for a 4-day workweek role? Take a look at our available roles in your industry.