The survey, conducted by Hayes, received over 11,800 respondents, many of which were in Scotland. The survey showed while about two thirds of employees would want a four-day work week, over half of employers say they are not considering implementing one. 

This is in comparison to 75% of respondents saying they think it will happen, up 10% from 2022, and 93% of respondents saying it is a good idea. The survey also found that 68% of professionals would be willing to move jobs if an organisation was offering a four-day week, increasing from 53% in 2022. 

“The idea of a four-day week might be appealing, but there are many things to consider, not least – what is it we’re trying to fix, is it to increase work-life balance, to support well-being?” said Keith Mason, Hays Scotland director. He continues by saying hybrid work was quickly adopted due to the pandemic, but a four-day work week poses bigger cultural and operational challenges.

For example, 16% of employers could not implement the four-day week due to the nature of their organisation. Careers such as teachers or healthcare workers for example must have wide availability. Additionally 52% of employers believe they are unprepared to make the shift from an operational perspective, with a further 16% saying the shift would put too much pressure on their staff. Almost half of employers believe a four-day week would have a direct impact on productivity. 

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“The research points to the importance of workplace flexibility. There are many other ways for employers to stand out from the crowd by introducing hybrid working, flexible hours and more,” said Mason. 

Employers would also be more likely to consider a four-day week if employees committed to spending the four days in the office. However, the crux of the four-day work week benefit is an increased work-life balance, which is why many workers are happy to advocate for a hybrid working pattern instead (37%).