SCOTTISH BUSINESSES BEGIN FOUR DAY WORK WEEK

Several Scottish businesses have begun a six month trial of a four-day working week.

Participating companies and organisations will do one less working day, with no loss in pay, based on the 100:80:100 model – 100% of the pay for 80% of the time, in exchange for a commitment to maintain at least 100% productivity.

The trial is organised by 4 Day Week Global, in partnership with think tank Autonomy, the 4 Day Week UK Campaign and researchers at Cambridge University, Oxford University and Boston College. Similar schemes are taking place in Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Researchers will work with each participating organisation to measure the impact on productivity and the wellbeing of its workers, as well as the impact on the environment and gender equality.

Numerous studies have shown that moving to a four-day week boosts productivity and workers’ wellbeing, the organisers claim.

In November, Atom Bank became the largest UK four-day week employer, with all 430 staff moving to a four-day, 34 hour working week, with no reduction in pay.

Scottish organisations involved include: Advice Direct Scotland, The Young Women’s Christian Association Scotland, Glasgow-based packaging supplier UPAC Group, Dundee charity hub The Circle, Glasgow’s Social Enterprise Direct, Glasgow-based cosmetics company Gracefruit, and the Isle of Barra Distillers.

Last year, the Scottish Government created a £10m fund for companies’ trialling a four-day week, with pilot projects being staged in the wake of changes brought on by the pandemic lockdowns.

Research by think tank IPPR Scotland urged the government to pilot more schemes, as more than eight out of ten Scots said they supported the introduction of a four-day working week – so long as their wages stay the same.

The IPPR survey, for which some of 2,203 people aged between 16 and 65 were questioned, found 80% of people believed that cutting their numbers of days at work would have a “positive effect on their wellbeing”.

A further 88% said they would be willing to take part in trial schemes being set up by Holyrood, while 65% believe a shorter working week could boost Scotland’s productivity.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “The popularity of a four-day week is increasing, with more workers and employers recognising the importance of positive wellbeing.

“Over the past three years we have seen the benefits for ourselves, with productivity up and a huge fall in absenteeism.

“While there are obvious benefits for staff, it also makes sense financially for businesses and has a positive impact on the bottom line.”