From Five to Four: Examining Employee Perspectives Towards the Four-Day Workweek

Mahek Jitendra Jain, Niki Chouliara and Holly Blake ()
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Mahek Jitendra Jain: School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
Niki Chouliara: School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
Holly Blake: School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK

Administrative Sciences, 2025, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: The concept of a four-day workweek (4DWW) has gained traction as organisations explore ways to improve employee well-being and productivity. This study investigates the opportunities, challenges, and perceived feasibility of adopting a 4DWW in the UK, from the perspective of employees on five-day schedules. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 14 participants from diverse sectors, including education, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. A thematic analysis identified the key benefits, concerns, and contextual influences at an employee, organisational, and wider system level. Switching to a 4DWW was seen as an opportunity to enhance work–life balance and promote employees’ well-being and job satisfaction. Concerns were raised about increased workload pressure, coordination difficulties, and financial viability, particularly in roles requiring continuous operations. Findings highlighted the role of strong leadership and clear governmental policy frameworks to support 4DWW adoption and sustained implementation.

Keywords: workforce; work–life balance; employee well-being; four-day workweek (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L M M0 M1 M10 M11 M12 M14 M15 M16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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