The UK conducted a 15-month trial of the four-day workweek, which yielded positive results. The trial, which took place from January 2023 to March 2024, was carried out by the South Cambridgeshire District Council in collaboration with researchers from Cambridge and Salford Universities.

A total of 697 workers participated in the trial.

The study concluded that the four-day workweek led to a 39% decrease in staff turnover and a 53% increase in job applications, signalling a positive impact on talent acquisition.

Furthermore, employee commitment, motivation, and overall mental and physical health significantly improved. Financially, the council saved over £371,122.85 throughout the trial, highlighting the potential cost benefits of a four-day workweek.

The report also noted that the trial stimulated creativity, transformation, and innovation among managers and teams, improving working practices and enhancing colleague confidence.

In contrast, Greece recently implemented a 48-hour workweek rule for select industrial and manufacturing facilities and certain businesses providing round-the-clock services—this change in labour laws aimed to address productivity issues and the country's shortage of skilled workers. Notably, food service and tourism workers are exempt from the longer workweeks.

These contrasting approaches to work hours indicate the ongoing debate surrounding optimal work schedules and their impact on employee and management well-being and productivity.