All in favour of a four-day week?

03 Aug 2022

Around three quarters of workers in Britain would opt for a four-day working week if given the opportunity, according to new research out on Wednesday. A total of 2,000 people were surveyed by NerdWallet comparison site, with 72% of those working a minimum of five days a week in favour or strongly in favour of a four-day week. In addition, workers were confident they would be able to carry out their job in less time, with 60% of those polled saying they could complete their required tasks in only four days.

Gender variations 
The report also revealed women were slightly more confident, 64%, in regard to being able to work a four-day week, compared to 61% of men. That said, 53% of staff were uncertain whether their employer would contemplate a four-day working week, stating they would need to change jobs in order to be offered this working scenario. Moreover, 38% of workers were not sure if they’d have to move jobs to benefit from the four-day option, whilst just 8% said they would be able to stay in their current role as their employer was looking into making the change. 

“Large appetite” for a four-day week
According to NerdWallet spokesperson Connor Campbell, the study highlights the “large appetite” for a four-day week. Over 3,000 people within 70 firms throughout Britain are currently participating in a four-day working week trial organised by 4 Day Week Global. During this trial, staff performance and work-life balance is evaluated, amongst other factors. “Workers in the UK are seemingly confident about their ability to work smarter, rather than harder, so employers may want to take notice of their workers’ needs to avoid potential resignations and moves to businesses that can accommodate shorter working weeks,” Campbell said. 

Pay cut option
When asked whether they would accept a reduction in salary, and at what level, if there was a shift to a four-day week, women were more likely than men to want to retain their full salary. Should a pay cut be on the table to work four days instead of five, 66% of women said they wouldn’t agree, compared to 56% of men.