UK companies embrace new scheduling solutions in four-day workweek trial
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — British companies participating in a four-day workweek trial are discovering innovative ways to maintain productivity while giving employees more time off.
The six-month experiment, involving approximately 1,000 workers, has prompted businesses to reimagine traditional work schedules.
Innovative scheduling solutions
Software company BrandPipe has implemented a flexible arrangement where employees take different days off throughout the week, ensuring consistent client coverage. The company designated “surrogates” for key tasks, allowing work to continue seamlessly when team members are away.
“What we’re trying to achieve here is making sure that we’ve got fresher minds for longer,” explained Geoff Slaughter, BrandPipe’s co-founder. “Because that’s when we’re doing our best work.”
Early signs of success
The new scheduling approach has already shown promising results. BrandPipe reports that projects that previously took two weeks are now being completed in just over a week, with no reduction in client coverage. The company has even attracted new talent, with job seekers submitting resumes after learning about the progressive work arrangement.
Matt Kimber, a senior engineer at BrandPipe, noted the positive impact of his midweek break. “It feels very good coming back that first day. I’m more focused and ready to work,” he said.
Legal sector adaptation
Law firm Rook Irwin Sweeney has taken a different approach, giving employees every second Friday off while staggering the team to maintain 50% staffing. The firm implemented additional efficiency measures, including designated focus hours where everyone works offline to maximize productivity.
“We’ve tightened agendas for meetings and introduced focus hours when everyone goes offline to work uninterrupted,” said partner Anne-Marie Irwin.
The firm also aims to challenge traditional workplace norms, particularly in law. “Long hours and burnout aren’t badges of honor. We want to flip that narrative,” Irwin added.
Jennifer Wright, a lawyer at the firm, initially found the adjustment challenging but now sees the benefits. On her half-day Fridays, she’s used the time to visit friends and recharge. “It really lifts me,” she said.
The trial follows a successful 2022 pilot where 92% of participating companies chose to continue with the four-day week. The 4 Day Week Campaign, which organized the trial, aims to make this work arrangement standard in Britain by the end of the decade.
