More than 70 firms are taking part a trial where employees get 100% pay for 80% of their normal hours worked. At the halfway point in a 6-month trial, data shows that productivity has been maintained or improved at the majority of firms. Though some "old-fashioned" companies taking part in the trial found that the shift to a 4-day work week has been a bit tricky, most have experienced a fairly smooth transition. Of the 73 companies in the trial, 41 responded to a survey midway through the trial said they would keep the 4-day work week policy going after the trial ends. More than 3,300 employees are getting one extra paid day off per week through the course of the trial. Employees say they have benefited from lower commuting and childcare costs and claimed that a parent with two children can save as much as £3,232.40 ($3,662.80) on average per year or roughly £269.36 ($305.22) per month. Will Stronge, Director of Research at think-tank Autonomy said, "A 4-day week with no loss of pay could play a crucial role in supporting workers to make ends meet over the next few years."
