1000 UK Workers Begin Labour's 4-Day Work Week Trial—These 3 London Companies Show It Can Succeed

The UK has taken a significant step towards adopting a four-day workweek, with 1,000 workers across various sectors joining a new pilot programme allowing extra time off with no reduction in pay. According to The Guardian, this four-day work week initiative, led by the 4 Day Week Campaign, started on Monday and will collect data to present to the Labour government by next summer. The trial currently includes 17 companies, including the British Society for Immunology and Crate Brewery in Hackney, London, each testing models such as a four-day workweek or a nine-day fortnight.

Since its inception in 2022, the 4 Day Week Campaign, a non-profit organisation championing reduced working hours, reports that nearly 200 British businesses have permanently adopted the four-day workweek model. However, achieving full governmental support remains challenging. Prominent Labour leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have shown support for the initiative, though the Labour Party has not yet adopted it as an official policy.

Previous Trials Showcase the Success of a Shorter Workweek

Results from earlier trials led by the 4 Day Week Campaign have been overwhelmingly positive. In 2022, a six-month study involving 61 companies and 2,900 employees found that 92% of participating businesses chose to continue with the reduced work schedule, with 18 companies making it permanent. Per reports from the 4 Day Week Campaign, the trial spanned multiple sectors, including education, hospitality, and healthcare. Among the 22 London-based companies that took part were Adzooma, Debt Justice, and Outcomes Based Healthcare.

The trial data showed notable improvements in employee well-being, with 71% of workers reporting lower levels of burnout. Additional findings indicated that anxiety, fatigue, and sleep problems declined, while work-life balance improved, allowing employees to better manage family responsibilities, social commitments, and financial planning. Business performance remained stable, with some companies reporting a slight revenue increase of 1.4%. The initiative also positively affected employee retention, with a 57% drop in turnover and a 65% reduction in sick days, according to the 4 Day Week Campaign.

Civil Servants Push for a Four-Day Workweek to Enhance Quality of Life

The push for a four-day workweek has also gained traction among civil servants. According to PCS, the union representing government employees, staff at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have started a campaign calling for an 80% workweek with no pay cut. This petition, already backed by over 500 signatures, seeks to alleviate work-life pressures on staff, many of whom face high childcare costs and struggle with full-time demands. PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote argues that a four-day week would improve work-life balance, reduce burnout, and lead to higher employee retention and fewer sick days.

Advocates say the change would especially benefit parents and carers, creating a healthier, more equitable workplace. A representative from the department, however, stated that such a policy is not currently under consideration, demonstrating the ongoing resistance to a nationwide four-day week model despite increasing support.

London Companies Leading the Four-Day Workweek Movement

While the Labour-led trial aims to gather evidence, several London companies have already committed to the four-day workweek, demonstrating its viability across diverse sectors.

1. Awin

One notable company, Awin, officially adopted a four-day workweek, known as the Flexi-Week, in February 2023, following a successful 18-month trial. According to TLNT, this shift resulted in a 13% increase in annual profits from 2019 to 2022. Key outcomes also included 92% of employees reporting enhanced productivity, 70% noting improved work quality and reduced stress, and a 33% decrease in employee turnover. Additionally, 94% of staff cited a better work-life balance, and 85% stated the policy was a significant factor in their decision to remain with the company. Unlike some firms that increase daily hours to fit a shorter week, Awin maintains a 32-hour workweek without expecting staff to work longer days, allowing them to balance their workload effectively and keep morale high.

2. The Story Mob

The Story Mob, a PR consultancy for the gaming industry, also transitioned to a four-day workweek in 2022 in partnership with the 4 Day Week Campaign. CEO Anna Rozwandowicz noted that success factors included fixed days off, divided account teams for coverage, open communication with clients, streamlined processes, and clear internal expectations. Rozwandowicz stated on LinkedIn that this approach fostered a sustainable work environment, enabling employees to rest and recharge while maintaining high client service standards.

3. The Phoenix Group

Another leading organisation, The Phoenix Group, has implemented the Phoenix Flex policy, which offers flexible work hours and locations for its 6,600 employees. By focusing on performance over hours, Phoenix supports its workforce in tailoring workweeks to individual needs. Flexibility is embedded in the company's culture, with all job advertisements highlighting options like part-time and job-share opportunities. This policy aims to create a supportive and productive work environment, prioritising both customer needs and employee well-being. In 2024, Phoenix Flex was awarded the Best Flexible Working Initiative at the CIPD People Management Awards. One Senior Policy Consultant explained in a video how he shifted to a 28-hour week, working four days to spend more time with his infant daughter, illustrating the benefits of such flexible policies on family life.

The growing number of companies adopting the four-day week in London and beyond underscores a shift in workplace values, with an increasing emphasis on employee well-being, retention, and productivity. While Labour's new trial marks a step towards widespread change, the success of companies like Awin, The Story Mob, and The Phoenix Group suggests that the four-day workweek could become a defining feature of the UK's future work culture.