17 Companies Permanently Adopt Shorter Weeks After Successful Six-Month Trial
Nearly 1,000 British workers are officially keeping their shorter working weeks, as all 17 businesses that participated in a six-month trial of the four-day workweek or nine-day fortnight are making the change permanent. The workers will continue to earn full pay, marking a significant shift in how modern British companies are thinking about productivity, wellbeing, and work-life balance.
The experiment was conducted under the guidance of the 4 Day Week Foundation, a non-profit pushing for broader adoption of reduced working hours in the UK and beyond.
A Radical Shift with Historic Roots
From Six Days to Four: How Work Has Evolved
The traditional five-day workweek may soon be outdated, just like the six-day week was a century ago. The 4 Day Week Foundation aims to replicate the transformation that occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when union pressure helped establish the now-standard two-day weekend.
Back then, most workers in Christian-majority countries like Britain had only Sundays off. Today, campaigners believe we’re ready for the next evolution: a standard four-day workweek, with studies and pilots backing up their vision.
Trial Results Speak Volumes
Positive Impacts on Health, Productivity, and Profits
The latest UK trial, which ran from November 2024 to May 2025, included businesses across a variety of sectors—from charities to professional services, with company sizes ranging from five to 400 employees. Participating organizations included the British Society for Immunology and Crate Brewery in Hackney, East London.
Key findings:
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All 17 companies are keeping the shorter week.
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62% of workers reported lower burnout.
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45% reported being more satisfied with life.
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Many businesses saw improvements in recruitment and retention.
Researchers from Boston College described the results as “extremely positive,” particularly for employee mental health and engagement.
A CEO’s Perspective: “Efficiency Reimagined”
How BrandPipe Doubled Its Financial Performance
One of the standout success stories from the trial is BrandPipe, a small web software firm. CEO Geoff Slaughter called the trial “an overwhelming success” and credited the shorter workweek with doubling financial performance.
“The trial’s been a launchpad for us to reconsider what constitutes efficiency,” Slaughter explained. “And now our sales are double what they were before.”
Slaughter believes early adopters of the four-day workweek should receive incentives, as they’re paving the way for a new economic model.
“We’re creating the blueprint for the future,” he added.
Building Momentum for a National Shift
Could This Be the Future of Work in the UK?
While the idea of a shorter workweek still faces political and cultural resistance, momentum is building. The 2022 trial, involving 61 companies and nearly 3,000 workers, led 56 firms to permanently reduce hours.
In the latest wave, more than 5,000 workers began 2025 on a permanent four-day schedule.
The 4 Day Week Foundation is calling for the UK government to establish a Working Time Council that would coordinate policy across businesses, unions, and industry stakeholders.
A Divided Political Landscape
Labour Shows Openness, Conservatives Remain Cold
Support for shorter working weeks varies politically. The Conservative government previously dismissed the concept as impractical, while Labour leaders have offered tentative support.
In 2023, current Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:
“If you can deliver within a four-day working week, then why not? I think people will cotton on to the fact that it’s really good, if it works for their sector and boosts productivity.”
Despite the verbal support, Labour has yet to propose formal policy recognition since taking office in 2024.
Why the Four-Day Workweek Works
Productivity and Morale Go Hand-in-Hand
The biggest fear many companies have is that a shorter week will reduce output. But trial results continue to show otherwise. Most companies report no loss in productivity, and many even see efficiency gains.
Reasons why the four-day week works:
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Focused work: Fewer meetings, more productive time
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Motivated staff: Better work-life balance drives engagement
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Improved recruitment: A major competitive edge in hiring talent
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Reduced sick leave: Mental health improvements reduce burnout
For employers in high-turnover sectors or those struggling with retention, the four-day week offers an attractive solution.
Who’s Participating?
From Immunology to Brewing: Diverse Industries, One Vision
The most recent trial included:
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British Society for Immunology
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Crate Brewery, Hackney
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BrandPipe, a web software firm
While some were micro-sized (5 employees), others had over 400 workers. This diversity highlights that the model can be adapted across sectors, not just for tech companies or startups.
What’s Next?
The Push for Policy Support and Incentives
The 4 Day Week Foundation argues that government involvement is critical to scaling adoption nationwide. They propose the creation of a Working Time Council to:
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Promote best practices
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Support early adopters with tax breaks or grants
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Coordinate cross-sector implementation
They believe this is the next logical step in labor evolution—and that the UK can lead the way globally.
The Four-Day Week Is No Longer a Dream—It’s a Proven Business Strategy
The data is clear: Shorter workweeks can work—for businesses, for employees, and for the economy. Far from a utopian ideal, the four-day week is increasingly seen as a strategic business decision, especially in sectors where talent retention, mental health, and innovation are top priorities.
As more companies report increased productivity, better morale, and even higher profits, the four-day workweek may be on track to become a new British standard.
