Survey finds huge majority of workers in favour of four-day working week

A new study has found that 95% of Irish workers would be in favour of a four-day working week, with a significant majority of those surveyed (81%) believing it will become a reality within the next ten years.

The survey was  conducted by Hays Ireland amongst almost 1,000 employers and working professionals across the country, with 973 respondents.

Only 15 per cent of workplaces have implemented a four-day working week, the report notes, however. Just 3.5% of employers have offered the option of a four-day working week. 

Out of the respondents, 73% would consider moving to a different organisation to avail of a shorter working week. This is an increase of almost 10% on last year’s figure, which stood at 64%.

Just 5% of respondents said that they would not leave their current role if the option of a shorter working week presented itself in another organisation. A further 22% said it would depend on the opportunity.

Concern was expressed by 51pc of employers about a potential impact on productivity if a standard four-day working week was introduced.

Hays Ireland director Maureen Lynch said: “While the number of employers currently offering a four-day working week is still extremely low, this research suggests that this may change within the next 10 years with employees seeking more appealing and flexible working options.

“Since the emergence from the pandemic restrictions, employers have begun to reconsider the workplace environment. The switch to remote and hybrid working models has proven hugely successful.

"All professionals have embraced these new ways of working with the four-day working week becoming the latest idea to enhance employers’ differentiation from competitors.

“While the number of employers currently offering a four-day working week is still extremely low, this research suggests that this may change within the next 1- years with employees seeking more appealing and flexible working options,” Ms Lynch said.