While the introduction of a 32-hour work week is a worthy aspiration, it is critical to address this in parallel with an equal conversation about maintaining, if not improving, British productivity.
This is according to 4 Day Week Global, which has responded to a bill tabled in the UK parliament by Labour MP Peter Dowd, that calls for the introduction of a 32-hour work week across the UK economy bringing workers in line with other parts of Europe.
Andrew Barnes, Co-Founder of 4 Day Week Global, said: “Our philosophy and pilot programmes focus on how businesses can work in partnership with their workforce to ensure the balance between reducing work time and maintaining productivity.
“To reduce work time sustainably, we believe in a collective partnership approach between workers, business leaders and key stakeholders. This is of paramount importance in order to ensure it is sustainable for businesses and works for the British economy in the long term.
“We are working with several regional and national Governments in Europe and globally to introduce pilot programmes and research projects which assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of reducing work time, and the feasibility of introducing shorter hours across different sectors and industries. We encourage lawmakers around the globe to commit to supporting trials in both the public and private sector, which will help to inform sustainable future of work initiatives and the shape of legislation.”
Charlotte Lockhart, Managing Director of 4 Day Week Global, added: “For us, this is about the desire to maintain pay at the same levels alongside moving to a shorter working week, without compromising on business performance or organisational priorities. Our 100-80-100 principle was developed to reflect 100% pay for 80% time while maintaining 100% of the output.”
4 Day Week Global believes it is not simply the case that reducing work hours automatically leads to productivity increases. Businesses, along with their employees, should take ownership of their productivity, especially in the current challenging economic climate.
The recent release of mid-point results for their United Kingdom pilot programme, where over 70 companies are currently trialling a four-day week or equivalent shorter work week, shows an encouraging trend for business productivity being maintained and worker wellbeing improving.