Forget the 4-day work week, and let’s talk personalisation.

The world’s biggest four-day work week trial has ended. 

I’ve been following the conversation for years and have come to realise that it’s not about the days spent working. It’s about personalisation.

The six-month trial, conducted by not-for-profit groups 4 Day Week Global and 4 Day Week UK Campaign, was initiated as a result of workplaces struggling with pandemic burnout and the great resignation phenomenon.

What the trial looked like

• Over nine months, 60 businesses took part in the study, which included more than 3000 people.

• Employees spent four days working with a 3-day weekend.

• They received 100% of their pay.

• This was not considered part-time work, a job share or a compressed week.

• Workers made up the hours in various ways, including less frequent and shorter meetings and using more streamlined software.

The results and what we can learn from them

The results were overwhelmingly positive, which is not surprising. This study offered employees a better work-life balance.

More than 9 in 10 organisations will continue with the shorter work week.

Productivity did not suffer.

Organisations experienced increased hiring potential.

They experienced reduced turnover.

Employee health and wellbeing improved with stress and burnout rates falling.

The 4-day work week resulted in happier and more satisfied people at work and in life. Satisfied workers help to boost productivity through higher workplace morale and lead to a more positive employee experience.

This is MUCH more than flexible working. This is personalisation at work. 

A personalised approach is the only way to work

Since Heart Talent was founded, we’ve supported several organisations in re-designing their flexible working policy. 

As part of this process, we sent the leadership teams to ask their people which policy they would be happiest with. The options were: a compressed 4-day week; a compressed 9-day fortnight; a compressed 9-day fortnight with a 10% pay decrease or maintaining the status quo. 

Interestingly, the majority chose the status quo. 

Australia and the 4-day work week

According to the Achievers Workforce Institute report, only 27% of Australian companies would consider the policy. Among all countries listed, Australia was the least likely to make the change. That’s not a bad thing. It may just mean that Australian companies are becoming flexible in other areas and offering personalisation at work. 

Offering a 4-day work week is just one of many ways to make work work for your people. 

It’s a collaboration. Listen to and understand what your people need to be their best selves at work (and in life.) You will be rewarded by more productive employees. 

What works for one person may not work for another. Personalising work for the individual creates the ultimate employee experience. The world of work has changed forever, and the impact on talent engagement, retention and attraction is huge.

“People have choices – beyond the name of the company or the salary they make. People are willing to exchange money and location for feeling fulfilled.”

— Judy Jackson, Global Head of Culture and Engagement, WPP

Wrapping up

Forget the 4-day work week. Adopt personalisation, a more holistic approach to engaging, retaining and attracting top talent to your organisation. For more insights, visit the Heart Talent blog.