06/10/2026
Could the four-day working week really be the future? π
Research from University of Salfordβs Professor Daiga KamerΔde and University of Cambridgeβs Professor Brendan Burchell looked at what happened when South Cambridgeshire District Council trialled a four-day working week.
The deal? π
β° 20% fewer working hours
π· No cut in pay
π The same quality and quantity of work expected
The results were pretty interestingβ¦
πΆStaff turnover fell by 41%
π€ 76% of new hires said the four-day week influenced their decision to apply
β¨ 21 out of 24 key performance indicators were maintained or improved
π· The council saved Β£399,263 a year
β
In 2025, the council voted to make the four-day week permanent
Soβ¦could working smarter, not longer be the future?
Our researchers are exploring what this could mean for the future of work - and whether the traditional 9β5, five-day week really is the best way to work.
The Autonomy Institute