There has been lots of talk in recent times surrounding the shift to a potential four day working week. Whilst it is highly unlikely, the fact the new Government are championing flexible working, we are certainly alot closer to a four day working week, than ever before. So what could happen next?
Will a Four-Day Workweek Become Mandatory?
To make it clear, employers are not required to adopt a four-day workweek with the new law. However, businesses must offer flexible work options and respond to employee flexibility requests.In 2024, workers gained the right to request flexible hours from their first day on the job, replacing the previous 26-week waiting period.
Right now, employers are only required to respond reasonably to requests for flexible working, not to approve them.
Upcoming changes could allow employees to request a four-day workweek, where they complete their hours in four days and have Fridays off.
This “compressed hours” approach differs from other four-day workweek models, like the ‘100:80:100™’, which offers 100% pay for 80% of the work time while keeping full productivity.
So should organisations expect flexibility to become the standard when hiring new staff?
Employees may still need to work the full weekly hours but spread them from Monday to Thursday instead of reducing total hours.
Belgium set a precedent in February 2022, allowing workers to complete their weekly hours in four days with no salary reduction.
As the conversation around flexible working continues to evolve, could the four-day workweek soon become the norm? How prepared is your organization for this potential shift?