Thousands of UK Workers Embrace Four-Day Weeks as Trend Gains Momentum

Bristol: More than 200 companies in the UK have jumped on the four-day workweek bandwagon, allowing their employees to work less while still getting paid the same. So far, around 5,000 workers have made the switch, and it’s really catching on.

The 4 Day Week Foundation is leading the charge, with Joe Ryle, the campaign director, saying the traditional five-day workweek is outdated. He believes that a four-day week can benefit both workers and employers, giving people more free time to enjoy life.

Interestingly, while many companies are embracing this change, some big names like JP Morgan and Amazon are insisting their staff return to the office full-time. This has sparked a bit of a debate, especially after Lord Stuart Rose, a former boss at Asda, claimed remote work isn’t “proper work.”

But the trend is clear: many workers are more productive with an extra day off. The marketing and press relations sectors are leading the way, with 30 companies adopting this new schedule. Charities and tech firms are also getting on board, showing that this isn’t just a passing fad.

A recent survey revealed that a whopping 78% of younger workers believe a four-day week will be the norm in just a few years. They’re prioritizing mental health and overall wellbeing, making it clear they don’t want to go back to the old ways of working.

In fact, South Cambridgeshire District Council has already started a trial for some of its employees, showing that even local governments are recognizing the benefits of this new approach.