WalesOnline readers have given their views after 70 companies announced they will trial a four-day working week with no loss of pay. Affecting more than 30,000 workers, organisers say it is the biggest four-day week pilot to take place anywhere in the world.
Firms taking part will give full pay to workers for 80 per cent of their time in exchange for a commitment to maintain at least 100 per cent productivity. The trial is being organised by 4 Day Week Global in partnership with think tank Autonomy, the 4-Day Week UK Campaign, and researchers at Cambridge University, Oxford University and Boston College.
Companies taking part provide products and services including education, consultancy, banking, care, financial services, IT software training, professional development and legal training plus housing, automotive services, online retail, homecare, skincare, building and construction recruitment and digital marketing.
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Researchers will work with each participating organisation to measure the impact on productivity and the well being of its workers, as well as the impact on the environment and gender equality. Joe O’Connor, chief executive of 4 Day Week Global, said: “The UK is at the crest of a wave of global momentum behind the four-day week.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, more companies are recognising that the new frontier for competition is quality of life, and that reduced-hour, output-focused working is the vehicle to give them a competitive edge."
Leigh Rees said: "It has worked abroad and well done to the companies that can do it as the benefits are there to working shorter hours for same money."
Fiona Smith said: "It will be a much happier workforce for those able to do it. What about the nurses, armed forces, police, supermarket workers [and] hospitality?"
Jane Mason said: "My old companies did four day weeks since early 90s. Longer hours worked in week but three day weekends are a dream! I completely agree with it."
Gregg James said: "I’ve worked a condensed four day week for the last seven years since my son was born. Yes it is tough working longer days but to have a Monday off every week is so worth it."
Kirsty Bell said: "Won't be happening with my company any time soon. Not enough hours in the day for us as it is." Dave Morgan said: "It not the amount of hours people work that matters, but the amount of work they do in that time."
Lyndsay Macleod said: "Couldn’t work for us - as a gardening business there aren’t enough daylight hours to fit five days worth into four - especially in winter."
Ian Macrory said: "I struggle as it is to fit all my work into my week. I really don't see how this can work. I'd rather have a pay rise, not that I've seen one of those in years."
Anthony Williams said: "Only downside is that you'll end up spending more money when you're off, so you'll feel less well off, even though your wages haven't dropped." However, Miles Davis replied: " It's not all about money, though. It's about levels of stress and happiness. Even if you do spend more money on the days off, you'll be happy. Happiness is the true measurement of success."
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