None of the participating companies in a four-day work week trial – in countries including the U.S., Ireland, and Australia – have decided to return to a five-day week after the trial.
The trial involved over 900 employees at 33 companies, who rated their experience on average 9 out of 10.
The context
Under the six-month trial, employees were paid their full-time salary but only worked four days. They were expected to still maintain the same level of output as in a five-day week.
Of the 33 companies that undertook the trial, 27 filled out a final survey. This was used to inform a final report on the trial, which was published this week.
The results
25 of the 27 companies said they were either definitely or planning to continue. Of these, 18 said they would definitely continue, and seven said they planned to.
One company was leaning towards continuing, and the other was undecided.
Company success
There was an 8% weighted rise in revenue over the course of the six-month trial for the 16 companies that submitted enough financial data for the report.
There was a slightly smaller number of resignations during the trial when compared to the same period last year, and less sick and personal leave taken by employees.
Employee experience
Almost all (97%) employees said they wanted to continue a four-day work week.
Two-thirds of respondents said they felt less burned out. They reported exercising more often and for longer, and also slept better.
Most employees said that they were able to balance family and social commitments better.
