In April 2024, the Mental Health Foundation in the UK joined the hundreds of organisations piloting a reduced working week. In the pilot, which lasted for one year, full-time hours dropped from 35 to 32 (and part-time hours proportionately) with no loss of pay.
After one year, the results of the pilot are promising:
- 69% of staff reporting less work-related stress.
- 79% of staff reported better work-life balance.
- 68% of participants reported better mental well-being.
- 64% of staff reported better overall life satisfaction.
- 55% of respondents reported better productivity.
- 100% of participants wanted the 32-hour week to continue.
- Overall, research shows that the 32-hour week works well for mental health.
Following the pilot and evaluation, the board of the Mental Health Foundation agreed to make the 32-hour week permanent. The Foundation believes that reduced working weeks have strong potential as a more widespread measure, and even a social and cultural shift, which can support public mental health.
Report from the trial is available on the website of the Mental Health Foundation.