Four-day workweek – how it could enhance your small business. – United Business Network

200 UK Companies Embrace the Four-Day Working Week

Recent reports (27 January 2025) indicate that an impressive 200 companies across the UK have adopted a permanent four-day working week, enabling employees to enjoy one additional day off without sacrificing their salary.

Companies Leading the Charge

Among the early adopters of this innovative work model, a diverse mix of sectors is represented:

• 30 companies in advertising, PR, and marketing
• 29 firms operating within charity, NGOs, and social care
• 24 businesses in technology, IT, and software
• 22 organizations in consulting and management
• 59 of these companies are located in London, making it the most significant regional group

Insights from Industry Leaders

George Holmes, managing director of Aurora Capital, shares his thoughts on the transformative potential of a four-day working week for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):

“For SMEs, this model levels the playing field with larger employers by offering a compelling benefit that resonates with workers seeking a better work-life balance. While smaller firms may struggle to compete on salary, their agility and flexibility allow them to attract top talent who value wellbeing and innovation in their work patterns. This shift not only enhances employee satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and reduces turnover.”

Holmes emphasizes the importance of detailed planning to maintain productivity and profitability, stating, “Although this is a bold step, it offers SMEs an exciting opportunity to redefine how they recruit, retain, and empower their teams.”

The Growing Conversation Around the Four-Day Working Week

The push for a four-day working week is gaining momentum as Labour seeks to establish it as a statutory right from the first day of employment, although there has yet to be a formal commitment from leadership.

Evidence suggests that a four-day work week significantly enhances employee wellbeing, productivity, and reduces stress. In a global trial conducted in 2022, 54 out of 61 participating UK companies made the shift permanent, with over half of project managers and CEOs reporting positive organizational impacts. A remarkable 82% noted improvements in staff wellbeing, while 50% experienced a reduction in staff turnover, and 32% successfully attracted new talent.

Furthermore, data from six participating countries revealed that 63% of companies found it easier to recruit talent, and 64% reported lower burnout rates. Businesses that adopted the four-day work week collectively saved £92 million annually—approximately 2% of their total turnover.

Nonetheless, challenges remain. A report highlights that 73% of businesses express concern regarding the complexity of managing a four-day work week, with 82% citing customer availability as the primary obstacle. Additionally, the differences in working days among global partners pose logistical considerations.

As of December 2024, more than 190 UK companies have embraced the four-day work week at full pay, particularly among businesses run by younger leaders and those with more than 50 employees. Organizations experiencing growth in the last three years also show greater openness to this model.

Pros and Cons of a Four-Day Working Week

Before implementing a four-day working week in your organization, consider both benefits and challenges.

Advantages

• Increased Productivity: Countries like Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands boast high productivity levels with reduced working hours. Companies, such as Microsoft Japan and New Zealand’s Perpetual Guardian, reported productivity increases of 40% and 20%, respectively.
• Enhanced Employee Satisfaction: Research from Henley Business School indicates that employees in a four-day work week are 78% happier, with a 62% decrease in sick days.
• Greater Inclusivity: Flexible working arrangements attract a diverse talent pool, including individuals with caregiving responsibilities, contributing to gender equality in the workplace.
• Strengthened Recruitment and Retention: A four-day work week appeals greatly to job seekers, with nearly one-third ranking it as their top priority when looking for a new role, according to a TopCV survey.
• Environmental Benefits: Reduced commuting and office energy consumption translate to a smaller carbon footprint. Henley’s research estimates a potential reduction of 588 million driving miles per week.

Disadvantages

• Customer Relations: Implementing a blanket day off may lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction if they cannot access services.
• Operational Suitability: Not every business is equipped for a four-day model. Companies may need additional resources, such as technology or support staff, to manage the transition.
• Team Dynamics: Having varied off-days could complicate collaboration and workflow, potentially impacting deadlines.
• Costs of Implementation: Financial implications during the transition should be thoroughly assessed, as a report indicates a potential £45 billion cost to the economy based on present productivity levels.

Real-World Examples: Success Stories

Synergy Vision

Ffyona Dawber, CEO of Synergy Vision, shares her journey toward the four-day work week:

“Initially, I proposed the four-day model as a trial, and to my surprise, the board embraced the idea. Our experience has shown that employees appreciated the additional day off, feeling happier and more balanced. The flexibility we created has allowed teams to manage their workflow creatively while maintaining our commitment to client service.”

Luscii

Daan Dohmen and Anne Pasdeloup, from Luscii, reflect on their ongoing four-day work week trial:

“By introducing this model, we’ve seen unprecedented levels of happiness among our developers. While our sales team faces challenges balancing customer interactions, we’re monitoring productivity and employee satisfaction closely.”

Carnsight Communications

Jess Morgan, founder of Carnsight Communications, discusses her choice to start with a shorter work week:

“Recognizing the increasing demand for work-life balance, I established a four-day work week from day one. As it turns out, my approach not only attracts talent but also enables us to maximize productivity outside traditional working hours.”

Seek More Information

For further insights on the four-day work week and its implications, explore these articles:

Watch Now

Listen to Joe Ryle, Director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, as he speaks at TEDxUniversityofLeeds for further insights into this transformative work model.