Charities have reported benefits for staff after permanently switching to a four-day working week, as further trials of the scheme are planned for later this year.
The 4 Day Week Foundation announced this week that it had accredited 200 UK organisations across all sectors for permanently implementing a four-day working week since it launched its scheme three years ago.
Brook, the British Society for Rheumatology, Citizens Advice Gateshead and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies are among the over 20 charities accredited by the foundation.
The 4 Day Week Foundation defines a four-day week as a 32-hour working week or less worked over four days, with no reduction in pay as its gold standard for accreditation.
It also recognises organisations that have moved to a 35-hour working week or less, with no loss of pay, as its silver standard.
‘I’d recommend it to all organisations’
Opportunity Green, an NGO that tackles climate change, did a three-month trial of a four-day week in May 2023 before permanently becoming a four-day week employer.
The charity reported that the trial had been a “huge success”, with 78% of its staff agreeing or strongly agreeing that a four-day week had benefitted their health and wellbeing.
Aoife O’Leary told Civil Society that as the chief executive and founder of “a rapidly growing NGO, it was a nerve-wracking decision to adopt the four-day week”.
“But ultimately, I knew my staff would benefit massively, and rightly feel appreciated for the hard work they put in,” she said.
“I was right – we ran an anonymous staff survey after our initial three-month trial, showing that an overwhelming majority felt that the system benefits their health and wellbeing and that 100% of staff are satisfied with the amount of free time they have outside of work.”
O’Leary added that a shorter week has also had “a positive impact on our work”.
“Efficiency hasn’t dropped, we’ve continued to bring in more funding and in turn, recruit new hires to grow our team.
“I would definitely recommend the four-day week to all organisations thinking of making the change.”
‘Staff absenteeism fell by 71%’
Advice Direct Scotland, a charity which provides independent advice to Scottish citizens, moved to a four-day week in September 2018 before becoming an accredited employer.
Following the move, the charity reported that staff absenteeism fell by 71% between 2017 and 2019 while the average number of absent days per employee decreased by 55%.
Chief executive Andrew Bartlett told Civil Society: “The four-day week is a tangible shift that brings profound benefits to both the mental and physical health of employees.
“By condensing work hours without reducing pay, people have an extra day to unwind and decompress, drastically reducing workplace stress and burnout.
“More research shows how a shorter work week leads to happier, healthier and more productive employees. This shift in working practices creates a better work-life balance that is crucial for mental wellbeing.”
Bartlett added that the four-day week has resulted in fewer sick days, lower turnover rates and better employee morale, which are not only perks but also “real strategic advantages”.
“Wellbeing isn’t just a personal concern but an organisational one as well. This isn’t about working less. It’s about working better.
“Time is a priceless asset which can be better used to enhance our quality of life, productivity and health.”
‘Five-day working week no longer fit for purpose’
The 4 Day Week Foundation was previously known as the 4 Day Week Campaign.
Campaign director Joe Ryle told Civil Society that the name change was “to signify the broadening scope of the work we carry out and in recognition of the progress that has been made so far”.
Ryle said the organisation is not registered with the Charity Commission for now but is “having conversations about potentially doing so in the future”.
On the benefits of the four-day week campaign, he said: “With 50% more free time, a four-day week gives people the freedom to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
“As hundreds of British companies and one local council have already shown, a four-day week with no loss of pay can be a win-win for both workers and employers.
“The nine to five, five-day working week was invented 100 years ago and is no longer fit for purpose. We’re long overdue an update.”
The next four-day week national pilot has been scheduled to take place between September and October 2025.
Related articles
