Redefining Work Culture by 2025: Mental Health Foundation's Proposed 32-Hour Work Week
The Mental Health Foundation Embraces a 32-hour Working Week for Improved Staff Wellbeing
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF), a leading UK charity, has made a significant shift towards promoting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace by permanently adopting a 32-hour working week, following a successful year-long pilot [1][2][3][4].
The flexible four-day week, which allows employees to arrange their 32 hours as they see fit, has demonstrated numerous benefits for staff. Approximately 70% of employees reported less work-related stress, and under 70% said their mental wellbeing improved during the pilot [1][3].
One of the key findings is the significant improvement in work-life balance, with 80% of employees reporting more time for family, exercise, and personal interests [1]. This flexibility particularly benefits staff with additional needs, such as neurodivergent individuals, the disabled, and caregivers, who find the reduced week eases time pressure and makes work more manageable [3].
Productivity was maintained or improved, with over half the staff feeling more productive due to better prioritization and focus during work hours [3]. The positive impact on recruitment and retention is also noteworthy, nearly doubling job applications, and with 28% of applicants citing the 32-hour week as a top attraction [1][2][3]. Staff turnover intentions also halved from 33% to 15% during the pilot [1][2][3].
The 32-hour week supports a sense of being valued by MHF as an employer, which strengthens staff commitment. The MHF's report explores the explanations and success factors for maintained performance within a reduced week, and makes recommendations for organizations considering their own pilot [1][4].
The positive feelings experienced by employees range from day-to-day peace, energy, and enjoyment, to a sense of growth and fulfilling potential. People find that the reduced working week gives them better balance between work, home, and themselves. Some people find the benefits of the 32-hour week to be greater due to the flexibility in working patterns [1][4].
However, the 32-hour week is not without challenges. There is increased pressure for a few individuals, and difficulties in adjusting internal collaboration [1][4]. Despite these challenges, the one-year pilot of a 32-hour working week delivered improvements in wellbeing beyond expectations [1][4].
The 32-hour week may boost recruitment and retention, and positively interacts with strategic prioritization. The reduction in stress stands out throughout the pilot, with 69% of colleagues reporting less work-related stress [1][4]. Colleagues used their extra time for a wide range of activities promoting good mental health, such as healthy movement (58%) and time with family and friends (60%) [1][4].
Quantitative self-rated productivity improvements are statistically correlated with increases in mental wellbeing, life satisfaction, and work/life balance [1][4]. The impact as a charity remains undamaged, and may have been boosted by a greater sense of focus and flourishing [1][4].
In conclusion, the MHF's adoption of a 32-hour working week is a significant step towards promoting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, and is expected to enhance its success and competitiveness as an employer in a changing world.
[1] Mental Health Foundation (2021). The 32-hour working week: A year-long pilot at the Mental Health Foundation. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/32-hour-working-week-year-long-pilot-mental-health-foundation
[2] Mental Health Foundation (2021). The 32-hour working week: A cultural shift towards more sustainable and mentally healthy working practices. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/32-hour-working-week-cultural-shift-towards-more-sustainable-and-mentally-healthy-working-practices
[3] Mental Health Foundation (2021). The 32-hour working week: A new approach to working for better mental health. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/32-hour-working-week-new-approach-to-working-better-mental-health
[4] Mental Health Foundation (2021). The 32-hour working week: A report on the pilot's evaluation and findings. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/32-hour-working-week-report-pilots-evaluation-and-findings
