Four-day work week better suited to UK workers, says expert

Vicky Walker, chief people officer (CPO) at Westfield Health, said trialling a four-day work week helps make the traditional work structure better suited to UK workers.

Walker’s comments come after a year-long Scottish Government trial found two public bodies reported higher productivity and improved employee wellbeing with a four-day workweek. 

Google searches for “4-day work week” rose by over 50% as interest in flexible working increased.

Walker said: “Offering a flexible work week allows employees the right to prioritise their work-life balance without compromising on work efficiency and productivity. 

“This can be especially beneficial for parents, carers and those with other responsibilities. 

“Employees who feel valued and have control over their schedules will likely be more engaged and committed to their roles and company.”

Walker added: “These flexible benefits can also help attract new talent and improve employee retention rates, which for some businesses, is a key business target.

“While the four-day work week could offer numerous benefits, we must be realistic and recognise that it may not be feasible for all organisations or employees. 

“Companies with smaller teams might struggle with changing business hours and business service expectations from clients or customers.”

She said: “The transition could take significantly longer if there are barriers like scheduling complexities, resistance to change, or restructuring costs. 

“Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach to a four-day work week is not practical and the transition must balance between business and employee needs.

“As new working arrangements continue to be trialled and implemented, it’s crucial that employers and HR teams regularly review and gather feedback on whether they meet their people’s needs.”

She added: “Clear communication of the policy and regulations is also vital to ensuring long-term success and implementation. 

“With the right set-up and clear standards of working, a 4-day workweek could be the future for many businesses.”