Author Archives: Aliyah Davies

As the General Election approaches, a key area of focus for any party serious about running the country will be our economy and how to get it moving again. With the UK entering its 11th year of stagnation, a bold vision is needed to set out a clear path for growth. The introduction of a four-day working week, with no loss of pay, could be the answer, and the Lib Dems are the obvious Party to take the policy forward.

Far from a “left-wing” radical idea, the four-day week policy is perfectly aligned with liberal values of work-life balance, equality, innovation, and environmentalism.

A shorter working week gives employees more time to pursue life’s pleasures, such as leisure activities, quality family time, self-care, and healthier lifestyle choices. The increased time outside of work affords employees the time to live more fulfilled lives, enhancing the happiness of the individual.

The increased leisure time also opens up the possibility of greater gender balance in domestic responsibilities, can destigmatise reduced working patterns for all genders, and, according to the Women’s Budget Group, the shorter working week could help to close the gender pay gap. There is also the added possibility that workers will use their time off to engage in local projects and contribute in a more meaningful way to their communities.

A shorter working week requires employers and employees alike to become smarter with their time as they try to accomplish tasks in a reduced timeframe. Numerous studies of the impact of a four-day week in the private sector have demonstrated that the change boosts productivity. In 2019, Microsoft Japan saw a 40% increase in productivity when they made the four-day week shift, while here in the UK, a study of the largest four-day week private sector pilot showed that most participating companies were satisfied that productivity and business performance were maintained.