In the ongoing battle for a four-day workweek, employees are showing their willingness to make financial sacrifices for an extra day of free time. According to a survey conducted by global job board Indeed, two-thirds of workers in the UK would be willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for a better work-life balance and more flexible working opportunities.
The push for a shorter workweek has traditionally faced resistance on the assumption that workers would not want to take a hit to their pay while still maintaining the same level of productivity expected of a five-day workweek. However, the latest data challenges this assumption, revealing that workers in the UK are willing to make the trade-off.
Danny Stacy, the head of talent intelligence at Indeed UK, highlighted the importance of flexible working policies in attracting and retaining workers as businesses transition back to the office. The survey results indicate that employees value fair pay, but they also prioritize flexibility, suggesting an increasing expectation for job roles that allow for a better work-life balance. In fact, many workers are even willing to sacrifice pay for this benefit.
The success of a four-day workweek model has been demonstrated not only for the well-being of employees but also for the productivity of businesses. Last year, the UK conducted the largest-ever trial of a four-day workweek, involving over 60 companies and nearly 3,000 employees. The majority of businesses maintained or improved their productivity during the trial, and employee turnover rates significantly decreased. As a result, most of the participating companies chose to continue with the four-day workweek.
Indeed's survey of 5,000 individuals also revealed that almost one-third of respondents believe a four-day workweek will eventually become the norm. They believe that their current workload could be accomplished within this timeframe. Influential figures in the global economy, such as JPMorgan's CEO Jamie Dimon and economist Christopher Pissarides, have voiced similar opinions. Dimon even suggested that the next generation of employees could work just 3.5 days a week thanks to advancements in AI.
Despite the growing consensus and positive results of four-day workweek trials, less than 1% of job postings on Indeed currently advertise this flexible arrangement. Only a handful of companies across a few countries have embraced the concept, typically reducing work hours from 38 to 33 per week. Studies indicate that these shorter work hours are more focused and productive, as employees have more time for essential tasks.
The movement towards a four-day workweek is not limited to the private sector. Even Scotland's civil service, consisting of over 47,000 employees, plans to test a reduced workweek to improve work-life balance and promote productivity among its workforce.