Some pluses: scientists have proven the benefits of a four-day work week

ended in the UK experiment, in which more than 60 companies reduced the working hours of their employees by 20% - for six months they worked only four days a week. And because of this, their well-being and health improved. Research results published on the 4 Day Week Global website.

The study was conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Cambridge, Boston College and the British think tank Autonomy. The experiment involved about 2,900 employees from industries ranging from IT and financial services to healthcare.

As early as three months after the start of the experiment, when company executives summed up intermediate results, the positive effects of a four-day work week were observed. They confirmed the results of similar but smaller projects in the US and Ireland.

Six months later, the results were excellent. 71% of employees said they had reduced work fatigue, and 39% experienced less stress in the workplace.

The four-day week also had a positive effect on the balance between work and personal life. Combining "two lives" has become easier for 62% of employees. Another 60% noted that the new schedule allowed them to spend more time with their children.

The experiment had a positive effect on the health of employees. The number of sick leave decreased by 65%.

Companies benefited as well: layoffs fell by 57%, while revenues grew by an average of 1.4%. This refutes the popular belief that the reduction in the number of working days reduces productivity and performance.

It is noted that during the experiment, managers took steps to maximize the use of employees' working time. For example, they reduced the number of meetings and improved the handover process at the end of the working day.

Most companies have already expressed their readiness to continue the program. And 18 of them said that now they have a four-day work week forever.