The four day work week has long been a Green Party policy. Studies from around the world have found a positive benefit to wellbeing and productivity when the working week is shortened.
Iceland trialled a four day week for civil service workers and found a reduction in stress and burnout. In Japan, Microsoft implemented a four day week and found sales increased by 40%.
It is therefore pleasing that Atom Bank, based in the North East, has adopted a four day week for all 430 employees. Staff will be paid the same, but will reduce from 37.5 hours over 5 days, to 34 hours over 4 days.
We wish Atom Bank success and hope that other organisations in our Region also adopt the four day week.