Reducing the working week to 32 hours without cutting pay has led to improved staff wellbeing and no loss of productivity, according to a major new study.
The results come from a year-long pilot by the Mental Health Foundation, which ran from April 2024 to April 2025. It found that the majority of employees reported better mental health, less stress, and greater satisfaction in both their professional and personal lives. In light of the findings, the organisation has now made the 32-hour week permanent.
The study involved all staff working a reduced schedule with no change in salary. Unlike rigid four-day week models, the charity allowed employees to choose how they arranged their hours. This flexibility was particularly beneficial for carers, parents and those managing long-term health conditions or disabilities.
Fewer hours, fewer problems
The data paints a clear picture. Nearly 7 in 10 employees (69%) said they experienced less work-related stress. Two thirds reported improved mental wellbeing, and almost 8 in 10 said they had a better work-life balance. Over 60% felt more satisfied with their lives overall.
Natalie Frend, HR Manager at the charity, described how the new working pattern helped her as a single parent.
“I now work a 4-day week, which has made a massive difference. I finish on a Thursday and have no alarm the next day. I now use the time to go swimming and exercise or just have some down-time.
“This is a new concept to me as a single mum of two children, having spent the last ten years on my own. It has given me extra space to get chores and life-admin done and has freed up my weekend.”
Colleagues used their extra time in a wide range of ways, from parenting to exercise, creative hobbies and even cheesemaking. The change gave staff not only rest, but more control over how they spent their energy.
A Wellbeing Equaliser
The evaluation also shows how shorter working hours can help address inequalities. Part-time staff experienced an even greater reduction in stress compared to full-time colleagues. Those with a history of poor mental health saw the biggest improvements in wellbeing and work-life balance.
Employees with additional needs — including those who are neurodivergent, disabled, or have caring responsibilities — described the pilot as transformative. By reducing time pressure, the schedule made work feel more manageable and sustainable.
Recruitment, Retention and Results
Alongside wellbeing benefits, the charity saw tangible advantages for recruitment and retention. Job applications almost doubled during the trial, with 28% of applicants citing the 32-hour week as a key reason for applying. Staff turnover intentions also halved.
Aaron Campbell, who joined as a marketing assistant during the pilot, said: “The 32-hour working week was definitely a draw for me when applying for my role at the Mental Health Foundation. I have lots of activities and groups that I am involved with outside of work time and it’s been perfect to find an organisation that allows me to balance both aspects.”
Crucially for employers, productivity did not suffer. In fact, 55% of staff reported being more productive and better able to manage their workload. Some teams improved performance by refining processes and focusing more effectively during their hours at work.
“With levels of workplace stress and burnout still at epidemic levels across the UK, we undertook this pilot with the aim of sustaining great performance and improving the mental health and wellbeing of our staff,” said Chief Executive Mark Rowland.
“Importantly, productivity has remained stable or improved during the pilot and that in many cases the standard of our work had increased through better prioritisation and ways of working.
“The strength of the results of the pilot were even better than expected which is why we have now made the pilot permanent. We’re delighted from a leadership perspective that this has had such a positive impact on both our work and staff.”
Beyond the Charity Sector
The shift comes as more UK employers and local councils explore the benefits of a shorter week. The Mental Health Foundation has now received Gold Standard accreditation from the 4 Day Week Foundation, joining a growing movement of organisations rethinking the traditional work model.
“Congratulations to the Mental Health Foundation for joining the growing number of organisations that have permanently adopted a four-day working week,” said Sam Hunt, Business Network Coordinator of the 4 Day Week Foundation.
“Moving to a four-day week gives workers the freedom to be able to live a more balanced, stable and better life. As hundreds of British companies and one local council have already shown, implementation can be a win-win for both workers and employers.
“The 9-5, 5-day working week was invented 100 years ago and no longer suits the realities of modern life. We are long overdue an update.”