UK's four-day work week pilot - workplace health & wellbeing expert, Tina Woods, reacts

“Given the growing interest amongst business leaders around boosting employee health, it is unsurprising to see such interest in the UK’s four-day working week trial — with its potential to deliver an even greater transformation to our working lives than the post-pandemic uptake of remote working.

“The direct health gains of offering enhanced flexibility and freedom to staff, where people might choose to spend time with family, exercise, volunteer, and/or attend medical appointments – are significant. It would make caregiving, personal development, and managing modern life easier for people across the economic spectrum. For employers, it could be the key to creating a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

“With the release of the trial’s results, it is likely that we will see SMEs and start-ups, many of whom are struggling to secure talent amidst ongoing labour shortages, become the first early adopter of a four-day model in order to gain a competitive edge in recruitment.

However, a four-day working week is far from a ‘one size fits all’ solution to enhancing the health & wellbeing of the UK workforce.

“The fact remains that some industries, businesses, and specific jobs will be unable to adopt this model such as emergency services and public transport workers.

“Ultimately, it is incredibly exciting to see growing understanding of how enhancing health & wellbeing in the workplace can be a key driver of productivity and growth in a business, and how offering greater flexibility in how, where, and when we work can deliver this transformation.”