KarunaNews Story

A trial of a four-day work week in the public sector has found an increase in productivity and improvements in staff well-being. The pilot saw workers at Accountant in Bankruptcy and South of Scotland Enterprise switch to a 32-hour week with no loss of pay or benefits. The Autonomy Institute, which was commissioned by Scottish government to coordinate the pilot, found that 98% of staff judged morale and motivation to have improved. Will Stronge, chief executive of the Autonomy Institute, said: "The results of the Scottish government pilot have been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating that both the workers and employers involved are thriving." The year-long pilot found sick days for psychological reasons dropped by 25.7%. Accountant in Bankruptcy found mental health improved by 18.4% and work stress dropped by the same amount. At South of Scotland Enterprise, the percentage of staff feeling "very satisfied" with their work-life balance rose very sharply, from 4% pre-pilot to 84%, nine months in. Staff with caring responsibilities were particularly supportive of the pilot, with some describing it as "life changing". Both organizations have opted to extend the pilot beyond the research period.