British photographer Paul David Smith had long toyed with the idea of switching all his staff to a four-day week, but it was the flexibility and reliability they showed in the pandemic that gave him the confidence to take the plunge.
Spain has offered financial backing. Spanish fashion house Desigual switched to a four-day week last year, and consumer giant Unilever is trialling the shorter week across New Zealand.
A six-month pilot programme is being launched in the UK from June to December this year, testing the possible advantages of that short week for both employers and employees.
A six-month pilot programme is being launched in the UK from June to December this year, testing the possible advantages of that short week for both employers and employees.