UCC RESEARCH
Could Four be the New Five? Regular UC Advanced readers may remember Owl Labs State of Hybrid Work report in 2024 in issue 12, where we encountered some fabulous work-life phrases like “clock-blocking”. Findings from the latest Owl Labs pulse survey suggest nearly half of UK companies are offering four-day work weeks.
Owl Labs is questioning whether four- day weeks could be the “new five” after uncovering that almost half of companies in the UK offer employees the option of four-day work weeks. Video conferencing solutions provider, Owl Labs, drew a number of other conclusions from its pulse survey which support this move, including more than three quarters of UK employees (76%) who believe it would improve their work-life balance. The research stands in opposition to the return-to-office mandates which have been introduced at Google, Amazon, Dell and many other blue-chip enterprises. Frank Weishaupt, CEO at Owl Labs, believes that fewer hours at the office can often yield greater results, commenting, “The rise of flexible working trends such as the four-day week and “working-to- rule” show that the traditional nine-to- five no longer makes the cut. It’s crucial to recognise that more hours doesn’t always lead to greater productivity, nor does forcing strict in-office attendance – it’s about how effectively those hours
are used, not where they are spent.” Weishaupt continues: “As organisations look to attract and retain talent in a competitive market, flexible models like the four-day week are already shifting from experiment to expectation. For many, the question is no longer if – but when.” The Results Are In The results appear to support Weishaupt’s conclusions. When it comes to productivity, 67% of those surveyed feel they would achieve more in a shorter amount of time. Some concerns were raised relating to longer working day hours and the possible impact a four- day work week could have on customer service, but overall the move would be viewed as “overwhelmingly” positive. Moreover, just under three quarters of UK employees (74%) recognise that the extra time unlocked could be used for personal development, while 72% have said the change resulted in greater job satisfaction. The vast majority of respondents (83%) predicted that the four-day work week will become a new normal by 2030, with a staggering 91% of Generation Z supporting this transition followed by 87% of Millennials. Resisting the RTO Movement Although many companies are still prioritising flexibility in the workplace, in organisations which are returning to stricter in-office hours some employees are taking it on themselves to find workarounds. These employee workarounds are in response to what
Frank Weishaupt CEO
owllabs.com
50
Powered by FlippingBook