Is the 4-Day Workweek the Future?

Joynes & Hunt
Oct 1
3 min read

The way we work has never stood still. From the rise of remote working to hybrid setups, workplace norms continue to evolve at pace. Now, one of the biggest questions employers and employees alike are asking in 2025 is: is the 4-day workweek the future of work?

Recruiters, HR leaders, and hiring managers can’t afford to ignore the debate. The idea of a shorter week is no longer just an experiment, it’s being trialled across the UK and globally, with compelling results. But is it right for every industry, and what does it mean for recruitment in particular?

What Is the 4-Day Workweek?

At its simplest, the 4-day workweek usually means employees work four days instead of five, for the same pay, with no loss of productivity. It isn’t about squeezing five days into four, but about rethinking work processes, cutting inefficiencies, and focusing on outcomes rather than hours.

Why It’s Gaining Momentum

Several drivers are pushing the 4-day model into the mainstream:

Productivity Evidence: UK trials (including the world’s largest pilot in 2022–23) showed many companies maintained or even increased productivity despite fewer hours.
Wellbeing & Retention: Employees reported better work–life balance, less burnout, and higher job satisfaction. For recruiters, this is a huge retention and attraction tool.
Talent Attraction: In competitive industries like STEM, tech, and professional services, offering a 4-day week can be a differentiator that wins over scarce candidates.
Sustainability: Fewer commutes and less office usage can reduce environmental impact, important for businesses with ESG commitments.

The Benefits for Employers

Stronger Employer Brand: Companies that embrace flexibility and innovation stand out in a crowded talent market.
Improved Productivity: Research suggests workers are more focused when hours are reduced. The mindset shifts from “time served” to “impact delivered.”
Reduced Absenteeism: Employees with better work–life balance tend to take fewer sick days.
Higher Retention: A shorter week can keep top talent engaged and loyal, reducing costly turnover.

The Challenges to Consider

Industry Fit: In sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, or customer-facing roles, reducing hours may be harder without hiring more staff.
Client Expectations: Global businesses or clients working traditional schedules may expect 5-day coverage.
Operational Redesign: Success depends on rethinking workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and training managers to lead by outcomes rather than hours.
Fairness Across Teams: Ensuring a 4-day setup works for all employees, front-line vs. office staff, full-time vs. part-time, it can be tricky.

What It Means for Recruitment

For recruiters and HR professionals, the 4-day week is both a challenge and an opportunity.

Candidate Attraction: More job seekers are filtering vacancies by flexibility. If your clients don’t offer it, they may lose out.
Employer Education: Agencies have a role to play in advising employers, sharing market insights, pilot case studies, and data from other organisations.
New Skill Sets: Managers need upskilling to lead outcome-driven teams. Recruiters may need to screen for candidates with strong self-management and productivity habits.
Contract Models: Demand may grow for innovative contracts (compressed hours, flexible Fridays, part-remote). Agencies that adapt will stay competitive.

So, Is It the Future?

The 4-day workweek isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. But it is undeniably part of the future of work conversation. For knowledge-based industries and forward-thinking employers, it could become a powerful tool to attract and retain talent. For others, hybrid models or flexible hours might make more sense.

What’s clear is that the demand for flexibility is here to stay. Recruitment agencies that stay ahead of this trend, advising clients, shaping strategy, and promoting opportunities, will be better positioned to succeed in a changing labour market.

Final Thought

The question may not be if the 4-day week becomes mainstream, but when and how it will be adopted. Employers that embrace the shift early could gain a competitive advantage. Recruiters who understand its impact will be at the centre of shaping the workforce of tomorrow.