Occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals have delivered an emphatic response to the recent debate on the merits and demerits of introducing a four-day working week where employees work fewer hours with no loss in pay.

In an online poll, which attracted nearly 2,400 votes last week, 86% of respondents clicked ‘yes’ to the question: ‘Do you believe a four-day working week would be good for workers’ health, safety and wellbeing and so would improve productivity?’ Those in the remaining 14% all answered ‘no’.

The IOSH LinkedIn post had linked to a Guardian news story on a four-day week trial at South Cambridgeshire District Council, which was hailed a success following reports of across-the-board improvements in productivity.

Here’s just a sample of the comments submitted with the yes/no answers.

FOR

“A four-day work week can benefit workers’ health, safety and wellbeing, leading to improved productivity. Studies show reduced stress, burnout, and sick days, along with better mental health and work-life balance. Employees often become more focused and efficient, which can boost productivity. Additionally, less stress and fatigue can enhance workplace safety. Overall, it’s a promising option for both employees and employers.” - Razan Yahy, occupational health and safety specialist.

“If I remember correctly, Sweden work six-hour days, and found that the same amount of work was achieved as if they'd worked eight hours.” – James Powney, QHSE Advisor.

“My organisation brought in a four-day working week last June and the trial was successful. It has had a positive impact on staff wellbeing, our customers have not been impacted negatively and our focus has been to make everyday tasks leaner; we have invested in our technology to improve usability and functionality which makes workflows slicker. Still lots to do but it has been a really worthwhile venture for us, as a non-profit organisation. It has helped to make our recruitment offer more competitive and increased retention too. Negatives exist but they do in every place and situation; it’s what's workable and acceptable for your teams, customers, stakeholders and industry.” – Naomi Hurst, Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust.

“It would have the potential to help ease the childcare crisis and motherhood penalty. In a two-parent household, with both parents working four-day patterns, only three days of childcare is needed. This assists mothers in getting back into work following maternity leave and opens more spaces in formal childcare settings. For single-parent families, shorter hours throughout the week to accommodate school hours probably works best but in an environment of more flexible working patterns is more likely to be accommodated.” – Christina Rose, health and safety lead for a global employer.

“Switching to a four-day work week is a smart move that benefits both employees and employers. It reduces burnout, boosts productivity, and improves work-life balance, leading to happier, more focused teams. Plus, it makes the workplace more attractive to top talent by showing a commitment to innovative, employee-friendly practices. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.” – Leonard Greef, Safety Director.

“A four-day workweek offers several benefits, including improved employee health, reduced work-related stress and lower levels of burnout. Additionally, it can lead to higher productivity, as seen in trials where employees managed to cover 100% of their normal work in 80% of the time.” – Mohd Tarique, HSE manager.

“The traditional five-day-week is hugely outdated.” – John Crossland, EHS Manager.

“Has done me and my teams the world of good!” – Michael Simpson, health and safety champion.

“Twenty per cent reduction in road traffic and emissions; gets my vote” – Neil Davies, engineering manager.

AGAINST

“Unfortunately, the published report into this 'trial' has been heavily reduced from its original format, without validation on the benefits that were non-worker related that were the other drivers of the trial. Several times this council has been instructed to stop the trial as it's not met its originally scoped outcomes across all KPIs. Service performance itself has been shown to have fallen.” - Deborah Walker CMIOSH

“Sorry, very anti-business – assume it will happen globally as we cannot be an island?” – Dr David Thomas CFIOSH, senior university lecturer.

“The trouble is it would have to be fully adopted across all industries to work and not everyone will do it, so becomes impossible for business to do it.” – Neil Denning CMIOSH, managing director.

JURY STILL OUT

“Hard to answer (this) until you have tried doing things in a four-day-week. What works for one organisation, won't work for another.

"My concern with a four-day working week is, has the potential reduction in hours been calculated in the ‘KPIs’. Have the risks been correctly identified and mitigated? Have incident rates gone down/up? There's too many variables at the moment to give an honest answer.

"If you ask me again in a few months that may change as I head towards a four-day-week trial.”- Neil Barry, health and safety advisor.