Better work and wellbeing in Scottish four-day week trial

Increased productivity and improved staff wellbeing were among the results of a year-long trial of the four-day week by the Scottish government.

- Joanna Partridge

Two public bodies, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB), took part in the pilot from early 2024.

The two organisations, which had 259 employees in total, implemented a 32-hour working week for a year without any loss in pay or benefits for staff, while committing to maintaining standards of service.

They staggered the non-working day among staff to allow them to function as normal, while part-time staff were offered proportional reductions in their working time.

Staff reported less work-related stress and greater satisfaction with their jobs and work-life balance.