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There has been a fall in the number of companies implementing or trialling a four-day working week, according to a new survey.

The study by recruitment company Hays Ireland shows that the number of workplaces that have either implemented or are trialling a four-day working week has dropped from 6% in 2022 to 3.5% in 2023.

Unsurprisingly, the concept is very popular among workers with 95% of Irish professionals saying they think a four-day working week would be a good idea.

The survey found that 73% of Irish professionals would consider moving to a different organisation to avail of a shorter working week, a rise of almost 10% on last year’s figure.

The vast majority of workers surveyed thought that the four-day working week will become a reality within the next decade.

“While the number of employers currently offering a four-day working week is still extremely low, this research suggests that this may change within the next ten years with employees seeking more appealing and flexible working options,” said Maureen Lynch, Operations Director at Hays Ireland.

Half of employers surveyed said they were concerned about the potential impact of a four-day week on productivity.

The survey found that 47% of employers said they were not prepared to switch to a four-day week for operational reasons, while 22% said they could not consider it for financial reasons.

Hays Ireland surveyed almost 1,000 employers and professionals across Ireland for this study.

Last year, a research project backed by the trade union Fórsa and carried out in partnership with Four-Day Week Ireland, UCD, and Boston College, examined the financial, social, and environmental impact that a four-day working week would have on businesses and employees in Ireland.

Nine of the 12 companies that took part in the six-month trial said they were committed to continuing with the four-day-week schedule.

Article Source: Fall in workplaces trialling four-day week, survey finds – Brian O’Donovan – RTE

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