Embracing the 4-Day Working Week: Changing Work Culture and the Legal Profession

Working 4 days rather than 5 is becoming more common in the UK. There have been a number of trials of four-day working weeks in recent years, with positive results. In 2023, 100 UK companies signed up for a permanent 4-day working week with no loss of pay. This is a major milestone in the campaign to fundamentally change Britain’s approach to work. 

This blog explores the driving factors behind this movement, highlights companies that have already adopted the new model, and examines its potential applicability in the legal profession. While challenges remain, the legal industry is witnessing a growing interest in implementing the 4-day workweek, setting the stage for future adoption.

There are a number of factors that are driving the move towards a 4-day working week. These include:

Employee well-being

Increasing recognition of the importance of prioritising employee mental health and work-life balance fuels the demand for reduced working hours.

Productivity and efficiency 

Businesses realise that shorter workweeks can increase productivity and efficiency as employees are more focused and motivated.

Environmental considerations

The desire to reduce carbon emissions by minimising commuting and energy consumption aligns with the 4-day workweek’s potential to foster remote work and flexible arrangements.

Several prominent UK companies have already adopted the concept of a 4-day workweek, with positive results. One of these companies is Bard, a software company that has embraced this new approach. Additionally, organisations such as Citizens Advice, Dunelm, and Sainsbury’s have also implemented the 4-day workweek.

An exemplary case is that of JMK Solicitors, which became one of the pioneering employers in Northern Ireland to commit to and implement a four-day workweek for all employees, without any reduction in pay. Since January 2020, JMK Solicitors has reduced the work hours of its staff from 37.5 hours to 30 hours per week while maintaining their regular pay.

Michelle Murphy, the HR and Operations Manager at JMK Solicitors, highlighted the benefits of this transition. She stated that the shift to a shorter workweek made the company more resilient in the face of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It helped prepare their employees for the rapid developments brought about by the crisis, acting as a protective measure against potential upheavals.

However, there are some challenges that law firms face, these include:

Time-sensitive work

Some legal matters require lawyers to be available outside regular working hours due to their urgency and time constraints.

The client relationship

Some clients may be reluctant to change their expectations of when they can access legal advice.

Investment Requirements

Law firms may need to invest in new technology and processes to successfully implement a 4-day working week.

Potential impact on productivity and profits

Some firms may be reluctant to change their working practices, and there may be concerns about the impact on productivity and financial performance. 

Despite these challenges, there is a growing movement within the legal profession to adopt a 4-day working week. The Law Society of England and Wales has said that it is “open-minded” stance towards this concept and several law firms are currently exploring the possibility of making the switch.

It is likely that this will become more common in the legal profession in the years to come. As more and more businesses adopt this new way of working, the legal profession will come under increasing pressure to follow suit.

What would you do with your time if you had an extra day not working? Do you think it could work in your firm? What changes would be needed in your role for it to work?

The 4-day working week represents a promising shift in work culture, driven by the importance of employee well-being, productivity gains, and environmental considerations. While the legal profession faces unique challenges, there is a growing interest among law firms to explore the adoption of this innovative approach. As the movement gains traction, the legal industry will likely undergo significant transformation in the years ahead, heralding a new era of work-life balance and increased job satisfaction.