More than 200 UK companies have permanently switched to a four-day work week with no pay loss, according to research by the 4 Day Week Foundation.

According to ITV News on Monday, the move includes marketing agencies, IT firms, consultancies, and non-profits, employing over 5,000 people.

Campaign director Joe Ryle emphasised that the traditional five-day work week, “invented 100 years ago,” is “no longer fit for purpose.”

He added, “With 50% more free time, a four-day week gives people the freedom to live happier, more fulfilling lives.”

Supporters argue that shorter work weeks are key to attracting and retaining employees while improving overall well-being. London-based companies lead the charge, with 59 of the 200 adopters.

However, while the four-day week gains momentum in the UK, many employees worldwide are still grappling with the push to return to full-time office work, Yahoo News reports.

In the U.S., firms like JP Morgan and Amazon have demanded staff return to the office, despite pandemic-era hybrid working arrangements.

A Spark Market Research survey reveals that 78% of 18- to 34-year-olds believe a four-day week will be the norm in five years, while 65 per cent oppose a return to traditional office work.

Managing director Lynsey Carolan noted that mental health and overall wellbeing are top priorities for this generation, making the four-day week a meaningful benefit to their quality of life.

Carolan also highlighted that mental health and improving overall well-being “are top priorities” for this generation, making the four-day week a meaningful benefit and a key contributing factor to their quality of life.

The policy, which began as a trial for office staff in early 2023, has now been extended to employees in waste collection services, Yahoo News reports on Monday.

In January 2023, film production company Disney mandated its hybrid workers to return to corporate offices four days a week, which started in March of the same year.

Founded in 2019 by Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart, PUNCH Online, in a check to the organisation’s website, reports that 4 Day Week Global aims to shift the focus from work hours to productivity and output.

The organisation has since launched pilot programs worldwide, including in the U.S., UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, with more to come. (The PUNCH)