Labour’s proposal to introduce a four-day workweek through the mechanism of compressed hours could be a significant step towards enhancing work-life balance for many employees in the UK. This policy, which would allow employees to condense their working hours into a shorter working week, aligns with growing demands for more flexible working arrangements, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
Angela Rayner, who is leading Labour’s initiative, has underscored the party’s commitment to making flexible working accessible from day one of employment. While the proposed law would not necessarily reduce the total number of hours worked, it would give employees the option to work those hours over four days instead of five, except where it is “not reasonably feasible” for the employer. This approach, though not a reduction in hours, has been welcomed by proponents of flexible working. Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, described this as “a welcome move” and an important first step towards broader adoption of reduced working hours across the board.
The benefits of such a policy from a wellbeing perspective are clear. The ability to compress working hours into fewer days can offer employees more uninterrupted time for personal pursuits, family responsibilities, and rest. As Ben Willmott from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development highlighted, flexible working arrangements like compressed hours “can help people balance their work and home life commitments.” This balance is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical health, particularly in demanding job roles.
Research and trials have shown that companies adopting a four-day work week often see enhanced employee satisfaction and retention. The largest-ever trial of a four-day week in the UK demonstrated its popularity among businesses, with 89 per cent of participating companies choosing to make the change permanent. The benefits don’t stop there, as Astrid Allen, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies, notes:
Reducing contracted hours through a four-day week can help organisations compete for talent, retain staff and enable workers to balance their working lives with their lives outside of work. Organisations that are purpose-driven and enable their employees to perform at their best, are likely to be the most successful and resilient.
Astrid Allen, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies
However, this policy is not without its challenges. Clive Day from Knights Law Firm points out that the success of such a policy will depend heavily on the specific context of each workplace. The feasibility of compressing hours may vary significantly between industries, and the government will need to balance the interests of both employees and employers to ensure that the policy is sustainable.
The experiences of businesses that have implemented a four-day week highlight the importance of adaptability. For instance, while some companies like Tyler Grange have reported positive outcomes, others, such as Allcap, found that longer shifts led to employee exhaustion, underscoring the need for careful consideration and potential adjustments.
Overall, Labour’s proposal for a four-day work week through compressed hours could be a positive step towards improving work-life balance and employee wellbeing. By providing more flexibility, it allows workers to better align their professional and personal lives, which is increasingly recognised as vital to overall health and job satisfaction. Leigh-Ann Hewer from Carnsight Communications reflected on her own experience with a four-day week, commenting that it has been “a massive contributor to my wellbeing,” enabling her to pursue passions outside of work and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
While the four-day work week may not be universally applicable, its potential to enhance work-life balance and support employee wellbeing makes it a policy worth serious consideration as part of the future of work in the UK.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
