Major Success in 4-Day Week Campaign Trials

From the BBC:

Many UK firms taking part in a four-day working week trial have said they will keep it in place after the pilot ends.

More than 70 firms are taking part in the scheme where employees get 100% pay for 80% of their normal hours worked.

At the halfway point in a six-month trial, data shows that productivity has been maintained or improved at the majority of firms.

I suppose it’s possible that the firms who signed up to the trial were already predisposed to the benefits of a shorter work week. But this does feel positive, doesn’t it? That people might be waking up to the deleterious health effects of full-time jobs and the ridiculous demands they put on life. Maybe the taboo is broken at last? Maybe we can be honest about the cost of full-time work?

[The campaigners] said that employees had benefitted from lower commuting and childcare costs and claimed that a parent with two children would save £3,232.40 on average per year or roughly £269.36 per month.

Why has it taken so long, folks? Why? Why? Why? The sums could be done on the back of an envelope but instead we need to have practical trials and lightbulb moments in the year 2022. But, hey, we’re getting there. We’re getting there.

Tired of the everyday grind? There’s a shoulder to cry on in The Good Life for Wage Slaves.