In a groundbreaking move, 200 UK-based companies have officially adopted a four-day workweek, offering employees three days off without any reduction in pay.

According to a report from an international news agency, these companies, spanning various sectors, have signed up for the initiative led by the 4 Day Week Foundation. This decision is set to benefit over 5,000 employees, particularly in charities, marketing, and tech firms.

The breakdown of companies includes:

30 in marketing, advertising, and PR,
29 in charitable and non-governmental organizations,
24 in technology, IT, and software, and
22 in consultancy and management.

Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, emphasized the outdated nature of the five-day, 9-to-5 work model established over a century ago. He noted, “This model no longer suits modern times. Transitioning to a four-day workweek addresses the long-overdue need for change.”

Supporters argue that the five-day workweek is a relic of a bygone economic era.

Global Adoption of the Four-Day Workweek

Belgium was the first European country to legislate a four-day workweek in 2022. Other countries implementing or experimenting with similar models include:
Australia, Austria, the US, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UAE.

This shift reflects a growing global movement toward more flexible and balanced work environments.