All good things come in… fours? As we enter the fourth month of the year we’re thinking about the four day week and cases for and against. The Financial Times published an article last week headlined “Why 5 Day Weeks Don’t Add Up” aptly timed with recent study findings across the UK that suggest flexible work models on still on the rise across major cities. As many large firms have recently trialled a four day work week, what are the findings and what does this mean?
Are three day weekends here to stay? It actually seems so. Over 60 UK companies trialled the shorter week from June through to December 2022 and the results were significant. Whilst critics suggest the shorter week is impractical in certain sectors, the findings suggest that around 90% found an improvement in morale and productivity!
The findings suggest that having a shorter work week made employees feel more appreciated and respected – there were fewer sick days taken and higher retention of staff across all participating companies. The recruitment company Reed found that 80% of people in the UK would prefer a four day week.
At Wylde, we design beautiful, practical and sustainable spaces that support people to work, learn and live better. We believe hybrid and flexible workplaces are the way forwards because you don’t need a high pressure workforce to get the job done, you need a happy and focussed team to ensure high quality and productive work is achieved.
Ultimately we work to create physical spaces that champion space efficiency, flexibility for future changes, accommodating growth and changes of head-count, improved communication and collaboration, a stronger brand, reduced running costs, attracting new talent, staff engagement, well being, improved morale and productivity. It seems that a shorter work week aligns with our ethos too!
Whilst its seems all roads are leading to a four day week, we think its important to remember one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to workplace strategies. For some, a five day week will remain a favourite, others want to be able to work overtime when it suits and for some sectors reduced hours simply aren’t an option.
It’s important to have an ongoing conversation about your work needs and to create a work model that can withstand change – a hybrid workplace isn’t about never having anyone in the office, it’s about having the ability to utilise the workplace to it’s highest ability. Want to know how to transform your workplace to make it work best for you?
We are experts in workplace design, with over thirty years of experience. We have a wide portfolio of different project sizes and we have worked across most industries. In order to get the most out of your workspace, whether you’re reshaping your existing building or moving to a new one, we can help you analyse the ways in which you work and how you could work better. We will help you devise an appropriate interior design strategy to inform the design process. Give us a call!
