Scottish Four-Day Work Week Pilot Boosts Productivity and Well-Being
Published 27 August 2025
Highlights
- A Scottish government pilot of a four-day work week led to increased productivity and improved staff well-being in two public sector organizations.
- The trial involved 259 employees at South of Scotland Enterprise and Accountant in Bankruptcy, who worked 32-hour weeks without pay cuts.
- Employee morale and motivation improved significantly, with 98% of participants reporting positive changes.
- Sick days for psychological reasons dropped by 25.7%, and work stress decreased by 18.4% during the trial.
- Both organizations extended the pilot beyond the initial research period, citing positive outcomes.
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Rewritten Article
Scottish Four-Day Work Week Pilot Boosts Productivity and Well-Being
A groundbreaking trial of a four-day work week in Scotland's public sector has demonstrated significant benefits in productivity and employee well-being. Conducted by the Scottish government, the year-long pilot involved 259 employees from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB), who transitioned to a 32-hour work week without any reduction in pay or benefits.
Positive Outcomes for Employees and Employers
The trial, coordinated by the Autonomy Institute, revealed that 98% of participants experienced improved morale and motivation. Employees reported a notable decrease in work-related stress, with sick days for psychological reasons dropping by 25.7%. The initiative also led to an 18.4% improvement in mental health among AiB staff. Will Stronge, chief executive of the Autonomy Institute, emphasized the overwhelmingly positive results, stating, "Both workers and employers involved are thriving."
Enhanced Work-Life Balance and Satisfaction
The pilot also highlighted significant improvements in work-life balance, particularly for employees with caregiving responsibilities. At SOSE, the percentage of staff feeling "very satisfied" with their work-life balance soared from 4% to 84% within nine months. The organizations managed to maintain service standards by staggering non-working days among employees, ensuring continuous operation throughout the week.
Implications for Public Sector Reform
The success of the trial has prompted both SOSE and AiB to extend the four-day work week beyond the initial research period. Joe Ryle, campaign director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, described the results as "extremely encouraging" and advocated for broader adoption across Scotland's public sector. The Scottish government plans to use the findings to inform its public service reform program, aiming to support more efficient and innovative working practices.
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Scenario Analysis
The positive outcomes of the Scottish four-day work week pilot could pave the way for broader implementation across the public sector. If adopted widely, this model may enhance productivity and employee satisfaction while reducing mental health-related absences. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring service continuity and addressing potential resistance from traditionalists. As the Scottish government considers integrating these findings into its public service reform agenda, the pilot's success may influence other regions and sectors to explore similar initiatives, potentially reshaping work culture across the UK.
A groundbreaking trial of a four-day work week in Scotland's public sector has demonstrated significant benefits in productivity and employee well-being. Conducted by the Scottish government, the year-long pilot involved 259 employees from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB), who transitioned to a 32-hour work week without any reduction in pay or benefits.
Positive Outcomes for Employees and Employers
The trial, coordinated by the Autonomy Institute, revealed that 98% of participants experienced improved morale and motivation. Employees reported a notable decrease in work-related stress, with sick days for psychological reasons dropping by 25.7%. The initiative also led to an 18.4% improvement in mental health among AiB staff. Will Stronge, chief executive of the Autonomy Institute, emphasized the overwhelmingly positive results, stating, "Both workers and employers involved are thriving."
Enhanced Work-Life Balance and Satisfaction
The pilot also highlighted significant improvements in work-life balance, particularly for employees with caregiving responsibilities. At SOSE, the percentage of staff feeling "very satisfied" with their work-life balance soared from 4% to 84% within nine months. The organizations managed to maintain service standards by staggering non-working days among employees, ensuring continuous operation throughout the week.
Implications for Public Sector Reform
The success of the trial has prompted both SOSE and AiB to extend the four-day work week beyond the initial research period. Joe Ryle, campaign director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, described the results as "extremely encouraging" and advocated for broader adoption across Scotland's public sector. The Scottish government plans to use the findings to inform its public service reform program, aiming to support more efficient and innovative working practices.
What this might mean
The positive outcomes of the Scottish four-day work week pilot could pave the way for broader implementation across the public sector. If adopted widely, this model may enhance productivity and employee satisfaction while reducing mental health-related absences. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring service continuity and addressing potential resistance from traditionalists. As the Scottish government considers integrating these findings into its public service reform agenda, the pilot's success may influence other regions and sectors to explore similar initiatives, potentially reshaping work culture across the UK.
