A growing discontent among UK professionals is challenging the traditional 40-hour workweek, with 76% stating it no longer suits their needs, according to a recent poll by talent solutions firm Robert Walters. The study highlights a strong desire for change, with many professionals believing that a shift towards a four-day workweek or increased flexibility could significantly boost productivity and engagement.
The case for a four-day workweek
The survey reveals that 51% of professionals favour a four-day workweek as a solution to increasing workplace productivity, while 38% advocate for greater flexibility within the existing framework. This shift in sentiment underscores a broader dissatisfaction with the conventional work schedule, which has largely remained unchanged for over a century.
Lucy Bisset, Director of Robert Walters North, emphasised the urgency of addressing this growing dissatisfaction. “The conventional 40-hour workweek, which has been a staple for decades, is now facing an uncertain future. Employers must recognize and address these concerns to retain and engage their workforce.”
Low engagement and economic impact
The data suggests that employee engagement is alarmingly low, with only 10% of UK workers feeling engaged at work—a figure even lower than the European average of 13%. This disengagement has tangible economic consequences, with the UK economy losing over £32 billion in productivity in 2023 alone.
Productivity concerns among UK businesses
The issue of productivity is increasingly concerning for UK businesses, with 46% of companies reporting it as a significant problem over the past year. This decline in productivity has direct implications for company performance and revenue.
Exploring alternatives: More or less working days?
In response to these challenges, some countries have experimented with or adopted new workweek models. For instance, 23 nations have tested or drawn inspiration from the four-day workweek, while Greece has extended its workweek to 48 hours to address labour productivity concerns.
Interestingly, while 28% of UK employers are open to extending the workweek to boost productivity, a substantial 82% of professionals indicated they would leave their jobs if such a change were implemented. This stark contrast highlights the growing divide between employer strategies and employee expectations.
Predictions for the future workweek
Looking ahead, 84% of professionals anticipate significant changes to the workweek over the next two decades. While 40% predict that increased flexibility will continue to reshape the workweek, 25% foresee gradual incremental changes, and 19% expect a complete overhaul of the current model.
Bisset concluded by acknowledging the ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges that are likely to impact the future of work. “While the traditional 40-hour workweek is not disappearing just yet, flexibility is increasingly becoming a necessity rather than a perk. Employers need to experiment with different approaches to find what best suits their workforce, ensuring that both productivity and employee satisfaction are maximized.”
As the debate over the traditional workweek intensifies, it is clear that change is on the horizon. Whether through shorter workweeks, increased flexibility, or other innovative solutions, the way we work is likely to evolve significantly in the coming years.
For more reading on the 4-day week:
Content Team
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