The last few years have seen a significant shift in the way that people approach work and how they prioritise its importance in their lives. Working from home, introducing flexible hours to suit their requirements, spending quality time with family, friends, hobbies and interests has meant that for many, a more balanced way of life has become their preferred way of living.

Lockdown prompted many people to rethink what was important in their lives. Did they still want to travel to an office and spend hours away from home? This was when many discovered the importance of family, friends and how much they treasured time for hobbies, interests and personal self-care.

A summer 2024 survey revealed that approximately 6% of full-time workers in the UK are already working a 4-day week, suggesting that up to 1.5 million employees could now be benefiting from this new approach to work. According to a survey by Survation, 58% of the public say taking a 3-day weekend will be “the normal way of working” by 2030 – with only 22% believing it won’t.

Nearly a third of US CEO’s polled in 2024 by accounting firm KPMG revealed that they’re exploring alternative work schedules such as a 4 or 4 1/2 day workweek. Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, sees 4-day working as a way of increasing productivity and creating a better work-life balance.

Two hundred companies in the UK have permanently adopted a 4-day working week with no loss of pay for staff. According to the most recent 4 Day Week Foundation update, the companies involved collectively employ more than 5,000 people, with non-profits, marketing, and technology firms among the best represented.

Joe Ryle, Campaign Director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, said the nine-to-five, five-day work week was “no longer fit for purpose. With noticably more free time, a 4-day week gives people the freedom to live happier, more fulfilling lives.”

London-based companies make up 59 of the 200 participating firms, followed by 27 in South East England, 25 in Scotland, 24 in South West England and 15 in North West England. A significant number of companies are in sectors including Creative Arts & Design (18), Engineering & Manufacturing (12), Recruitment & HR (12), Entertainment (9), Accountancy, Banking & Finance (8). Property Development, Trades & Construction (6) have also recently been accredited by the foundation.

South Cambridgeshire District Council has been the first local authority in the UK to run trials, with over 600 staff working a 4-day week. “As hundreds of British companies and one local council have already shown, a 4-day week with no loss of pay can be a win-win for both workers and employers,” Mr Ryle said. The 4 Day Week Foundation has plans to run at least three new 4-day week pilots throughout 2025.

However, there are concerns that such a cultural shift could cause controversy, with the change to working practices could negatively impacting businesses and hitting economic growth. There is a concern that a reduction in flexibility and an increase in costs could impact on small and medium sized companies. Kevin Hollindrake, the Tory shadow business secretary, expressed the view in late 2024, that large-scale moves to a 4-day week would make doing business more expensive in the UK.

Not all sectors can easily transition to the 4-day model, leading to some concerns. Under current laws, workers have the right to request flexible working, but employers aren’t legally obliged to agree. Government ministers have previously insisted they have “no plans” to force businesses to accept a 4-day working week.

A study by Spark Market Research has found that younger workers are the most likely to resist traditional working patterns. About 78% of UK 18-34-year-olds believe a 4-day working week will become widespread in five years, while 65% said they don’t want to see a return to full-time office working.

Lynsey Carolan, Managing Director of Spark Market Research, said: “Our survey clearly shows a desire for change in traditional working patterns. 18-34’s, the core workforce of the next 50 years, are making their feelings known that they don’t intend to go back to old fashioned working patterns when other options are now available. “This group also say that mental health and improving their overall wellbeing are their top priorities, so a 4-day week is a really meaningful benefit and a key enabler enhancing their overall quality of life.”

There’s also the impact that this change to working practices has on domestic households. Trials have noted that men begin to take on greater levels of responsibility at home and participate more in parenting duties.

There are some businesses, like hospitality, healthcare and retail, whose customers’ and clients’ requirements are for 24-hour availability, but flexible shift patterns and increased online support may well offer solutions to these issues as our approach to work-life balance gradually evolves.

Could a 4-day week be for you?

About the Author - This piece was written by Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist Find out more by visiting her website here