The four-day working week has moved from an interesting workplace experiment to a serious discussion about the future of work.
In 2022, 61 UK organisations and around 2,900 employees took part in a six-month trial based on the 100:80:100 model – 100% of pay, 80% of working hours, with no reduction in performance or productivity. At the end of the trial, 92% of participating organisations chose to continue with the four-day week.
So, what has happened since?
The evidence has continued to develop. In 2025, research published in Nature Human Behaviour examined almost 2,900 employees across 141 organisations in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and USA. The study found that income-preserving four-day working weeks were associated with improvements in job satisfaction, mental and physical health and reductions in burnout. The researchers also linked some of these benefits to reduced fatigue and better sleep.
There is also evidence that businesses are willing to continue with the approach. A further UK pilot involving 17 organisations and nearly 1,000 workers concluded in 2025, with all 17 companies choosing to continue with a shorter working week.
But can it help with the cost of living?
Potentially – although it is important not to overstate the case.
What are your thoughts on a 4 day working week, from a business perspective? Employee perspective? We would like to hear your thoughts!
