Four Day School Week Petitions in Great Britain, by Stepan G.

More than 200 companies in the United Kingdom have administered a four-day work week, from Monday through Thursday, fully paid. Along with that, a few private schools in London have also been experimenting with the four-day week schedule. What does this mean for future working policies not only in the U.K, but also in the United States?

Supporters of the four-day week say that the five-day pattern is a “hangover from an earlier economic age” and that we are overdue for an update (The Guardian). Proven to have no economic loss, as well as twice as much free time for employees, the timetable provides opportunity for more happy, fulfilling, and productive lives.

As for schools, the standard five-day schedule has been complained by students and parents to raise mental health issues among both students and teachers. In order not to cut the amount of learning time, school days were extended from 9:00 - 3:00 to 8:30 - 4:40 PM, with Fridays off. 

Students are generally very pleased with the change. They say that it helps them discover their true passions and spend more time on their hobbies. Pupils also claim to feel less stressed about schoolwork and deadlines. One fourteen-year-old shares his opinion on the change,“I love the four-day week. Even though we have longer days, having that one less day, when you are at home, in your own environment … it’s helped.” (The Guardian)

Educators also support the timetable and state, “The model offers increased opportunities for independent exploration and personal development. This approach not only fosters independence but also promotes a more balanced and fulfilling educational experience.” (The Guardian)

As the world develops and working customs change, it is truly likely that more and more schools in the U.K will be shifting towards the four-day week. The higher attention towards mental health and higher realization of the importance of work-life balance may impact other countries’ schedules, too. Within the next couple years, we may see other European schools transition into the shorter week, and perhaps even the United States will catch on.