Productivity unaffected by four-day week | Consensus HR, Herts Beds
Businesses that participated in a global trial of the four-day week found that productivity was not affected by the reduction in working hours, according to a study. The average working week dropped from 38 hours to 32.97 hours, with employees operating more efficiently rather than cramming more work into fewer days. Participants reported a better work-life balance and improved mental and physical health. Kickstarter, one of the companies involved in the trial, saw staff retention rise from 70% to over 90% since implementing the four-day week. The study, which included businesses from the US, Canada, the UK, and Ireland, showed positive results one year on. Dr Dale Whelehan, the chief executive of 4 Day Week Global, said: “We’re delighted to see the positive experience people continue to have with the four-day week beyond the conclusion of our pilot programme. A concern we frequently hear is there’s no way the results from our six-month trials can be maintained, as the novelty eventually must wear off, but here we are a year later with benefits only continuing to grow. This is very promising for the sustainability of this model, and we look forward to tracking companies’ experiences well into the future.”
Our HR Comment: Productivity unaffected by four-day week | Consensus HR, Herts Beds
Matthew P Chilcott, FCIPD, ACEL, Owner of Consensus HR comments: “This subject is a real topic of conversation within some businesses with many owners / managements not believing in the concept of only working four days a week and there has been many stories in relation to it. Previous blogs we have written can be seen below but is this the way forward? Would it mean that employees would get a better work life balance? The statistics within this article from The Times demonstrates some great benefits but what would the long term be? Would there be any consequences? We wait to see, and should businesses decide to give this a try they need to ensure that the team are involved and fully consulted, and the appropriate HR measures take place such as changes to Terms & Conditions of Employment.”
YOUR OUTSOURCED HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.
For further information on any of the HR subjects we provide, please click the heading below:
