All employers will have to offer flexible working hours from day one under new government plans. The Department for Business and Trade says the initiative is “designed around increasing productivity and creating the right conditions for businesses to support sustained economic growth”. 

While the legislation is being enthusiastically supported by a range of academics, campaigners and companies, some business associations remain cautious. A condensed working week will lead to higher morale and lower burnout, some say, as well as a rise in revenue and a decline in staff churn. 

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It’s simply unrealistic, others respond, and could lead to unintended consequences. 

Trials and tribulations

In 2023, supermarket chain Asda introduced a four-day working week pilot. It didn’t pan out. Some employees reported physical exhaustion during their days off due to the 11-hour shifts, and start and finish times meant there were additional challenges with public transport or school drop-offs and pick-ups.