Assessing the Validity of Four-day Week Pilots

The four-day workweek has gained global attention and popularity, with supporters arguing it can improve several conditions, such as productivity, job creation, and the environment. Small-scale pilot programmes are being carried out to better understand the concept, but it is crucial to ensure they are well-designed and implemented for reliable results. This working paper assesses the quantitative outcomes, scope, and methodological limitations of recent pilots and provides insight into future pilot designs for a more comprehensive understanding of the four-day workweek. A framework for categorising the four-day week pilots is presented, followed by an in-depth analysis of three case studies and their approaches to measuring various performance indicators and outcomes. The main section of the working paper provides a comprehensive examination of the quantitative limitations of the four-day week pilots. Drawing on these limitations, the paper offers ten specific recommendations for future researchers and policymakers to enhance the validity of four-day week pilots.