Two months ago, the final results of the largest experiment in modifying the working week in history were known. The experiment took place over a six-month period in 2022 in the United Kingdom, involving 3,000 workers across 61 companies. Led by 4 Day Week Global, the experiment used the 100-80-100 model: Workers get 100% of their wages for working 80% of the time in return for turning over 100% of their usual output.
The results were overwhelming, and all parties involved found it a resounding success: 92% of companies said they would continue to operate a four-day week permanently (of the five not moving forward, two are extending their trials and three are pausing for now). On the employee side, 90% said they definitely want to stick to a four-day work week, 55% mentioned an increase in their energy at work, and 15% said no amount of money would get them back into the work schedule. five days. The main reported benefits are reduced work stress and better personal time, better mental health, less negativity, more exercise, and easier sleep, according to self-reports by trial participants.
The results indicate that Workers, with greater control over their time, devoted it to more meaningful ways, such as socializing and being with family.
Another interesting fact is that a shorter work week can lead to better gender parity for domestic work: The time men spend taking care of their children is more than twice as long as men spend taking care of their children. Related to this, some of the positive outcomes were greater for women, particularly with regard to reduced burnout, increased work-life satisfaction, improved mental health, and reduced incidence of displacement.
In Argentina it is still a minority, but there are already experiences. For example, since last year Unilever has enabled this method once a month for all of its management staff, and Santander Bank is implementing it with part of its technology talent. In the startup companies There are many technology based experiences such as BlackBox Vision and Quales Group. Both indicate that productivity is maintained and even improved, and that the impact on employee well-being and comfort becomes powerful factors for talent retention. In times when work takes a new place in people’s lives, especially the younger generations, the four-day work week appears as an alternative that promises several more seasons.
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