61 companies recently trialled a 4-day working week and, in a report, published this week the results seem to speak for themselves.

92%, that’s 56 business who took part in the trial have decided to continue with a 4-day working week with some making it a permanent change in their organisation.

The trial, which lasted for 6 months has reported a significant reduction in employee burnout and improvements in employee stress, anxiety, sleep issues and mental and physical health.

This is all great for the employees but did the organisations benefit too? Well, as the number that have decided to continue the trial would suggest, yes, they have.

On average there was an increase in company revenue, a decrease in sickness absences and a 57% less chance of staff resignations.

With the changes in the way we work we have already seen over the last few years and this successful trial it looks like the traditional working pattern as we know it could well be on its way out.

As with most things though there are no one-size fits all packages and a 4-day working week may not be suitable for all business.

There will be cons for every pro but we do expect to be having more conversations with our clients about the considerations of moving to a 4 day working week, and there are many!

What days won’t be worked? Will hours reduce? What will happen about pay? What about people who are already part time? What happens to holiday entitlements? Will our staff want to? To list just a few.

We would always advise that before running with the idea of a 4-day working week that you have a clear plan of what it will look like and that you trial it (with regular reviews) for a period of time before making it a permanent change.