Over 200 UK companies adopt permanent four-day week

More than 200 companies in the UK, employing over 5,000 workers, have permanently adopted a four-day working week without cutting pay.

This milestone comes as part of the 4 Day Week Foundation’s Employer Accreditation Scheme, which certifies organisations committed to this progressive work model.

The move reflects a growing shift in working practices, driven in part by the Covid-19 pandemic, which accelerated discussions around flexible and sustainable work arrangements.

The 4 Day Week Foundation, an evolution of the original 4 Day Week Campaign, is spearheading efforts to mainstream this new approach across various industries.

Analysis by the 4 Day Week Foundation shows the initiative is being embraced across diverse sectors.

Marketing, Advertising & PR leads the way with 30 accredited companies, followed closely by Charity, Social Care & NGOs (29), Technology, IT & Software (24), and Business, Consulting & Management (22).

Other sectors seeing notable adoption include Creative Arts & Design (18), Engineering & Manufacturing (12), Recruitment & HR (12), and Entertainment (9).

Even traditional industries such as Property Development, Trades & Construction (6) are embracing the change.

In terms of regional distribution, London accounts for the highest number of accredited employers (59), followed by South East England (27), Scotland (25), South West England (24), North West England (15), and Wales (9).

A recent survey by Spark Market Research underscores strong public support for a four-day working week. Among UK adults, 68% believe this will become the norm within five years, with support rising to 78% among 18-34 year olds.

Lynsey Carolan, Managing Director of Spark Market Research, highlighted the younger generation’s desire for change:
“18-34’s, the core workforce of the next 50 years, are making their feelings known that they don’t intend to go back to old-fashioned working patterns when there are other options now available. Mental health and improving overall wellbeing are their top priorities, so a four-day week is a meaningful benefit and a key enabler of their quality of life.”

Workers Already Benefitting

While the 4 Day Week Foundation’s accredited employers cover just over 5,000 workers, the actual number of UK workers on a four-day week is estimated to be far higher.

An Owl Labs survey of 2,000 UK workers in 2022 revealed that 6% of full-time employees already work a four-day week, equating to at least 1.5 million people.

South Cambridgeshire District Council became the first local authority in the UK to trial the model, with over 600 staff benefitting.

The Foundation also plans to run at least three new pilot schemes in 2025, aiming to expand its reach further.

Joe Ryle, Campaign Director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, emphasised the significance of the movement:
“With 50% more free time, a four-day week gives people the freedom to live happier, more fulfilling lives. The 9-5, five-day working week was invented 100 years ago and is no longer fit for purpose. We are long overdue an update.”