Since last June and until January next year, some 3,000 workers in 70 UK companies have been working four days a week.

The experiment, led by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, together with the 4 Day Week Global is based on the 100:80:100 model, i.e.: maintaining 100% of pay for 80% of the working days with the condition of preserving 100% of productivity.

Observed from our region, a first fact emerges that is in line with theory but not always  in practice: the key variable in this equation is productivity.

This is a test that neutralizes any other distortion regarding the final result of the work.

The researchers are tracking four dimensions: productivity, workers’ well-being, gender equality  and environmental impact.

Spain and Scotland will join the project at the end of the year.

“The 20th century concept of a 5-day workweek is no longer the most suitable for the 21st century business. We firmly believe that a 4-day week with no change in pay or benefits will create a happier workforce and have an equally positive impact to business productivity, customer experience and our social mission,” said Ed Siegel, CEO of Charity Bank.

Now, in trying to illuminate this from our region, it would seem that we need to focus on productivity and inevitably review our efficiency as workers. Are we able to preserve 100% of our productivity by working fewer days? Studies on the subject indicate that the following variables contribute to increase it:

• Good work climate
• Increased flexibility
• Good communication
• Motivation
• Adapting the environment to the preferences of workers

On the other hand, a survey conducted by the University of Warwick states that happy workers are 12% more productive and that this is enhanced by a 31% increase in total labor productivity and a 37% increase in sales.

For its part, Adecco conducted a global survey according to which 97% of those surveyed said that happiness at work influences the productivity of employees.

Does working a day less make us happier, and does it contribute to a better work-life balance?

Work is not what it used to be. We need to address new challenges and experiment.