'A huge success' | Firm introduces four-day work week after trial boosts productivity

A legal services firm has introduced a four-day working week for full time employees following a hugely successful nine-month trial, which was found to boost productivity, work-life balance and job satisfaction.

Since October 2020, all full-time employees at Arken.legal have had Fridays off - with the exception of two staff who take a different day to ensure cover - but have maintained the same level of output. The result has been an increase in productivity and efficiency, improvements in job satisfaction and a better work-life balance for staff.

It has also changed the way staff rate the digital estate-planning solutions firm - eight in ten say it has improved their view of the company and 85% say the introduction of the four-day week has increased the time they are likely to stay with the company.

Staff can use their day off however they wish, and while some do catch up on work, most use it to spend more time with family or do chores and run errands so they can free up their weekends.