In the world’s largest pilot scheme looking at efficiency and staff health, more than 3,000 workers from 70 enterprises are starting a four-day week on full pay today.
Campaign organization 4 Day Week Global, think tank Autonomy, and professors from Oxford, Cambridge, and Boston College in the United States are coordinating the initiative.
The Royal Society of Biology, trendy London brewery Pressure Drop, Southampton computer game company Yo Telecom, a Manchester medical device firm, and a Norfolk fish and chip shop are among the businesses and organizations participating.
Staff will be paid at 100% for the first 80% of their time, but they must produce 100% of their typical production.
Each organization will be studied by a team of researchers who will examine the impact on employees, including stress and burnout, job and life happiness, health, sleep, energy use, and travel.
They’ll also look at gender equality, as the four-day week is expected to benefit women, who make up a bigger percentage of part-time and flexible-hours employees.
Long hours in the hospitality industry, according to Kirsty Wainwright, 34, general manager of Norfolk fish and chip outlet Platten’s, cause personnel shortages.
The mother of two already works a four-day week and is optimistic about the roll-out to all employees.
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