Is the four-day week the next big trend for mid-life workers?

Whilst the thought of returning to the workplace post-lockdown may be positive for some, it will undoubtedly create stress and anxiety for others. And new research from Aviva has revealed that many are looking for more flexibility in their work schedule to give them a more leisurely three-day weekend.

As a consequence of working from home for the last 12-18 months – home schooling children and carefully balancing work and home life – many agree they have more flexibility with their working hours now compared to before the pandemic.  Overall, more than two in five (42%) surveyed say they have more flexibility now, with one in six of them (17%) agreeing that they have a lot more flexibility. However, 45-54 year olds continue to work the longest hours per week (on average 32 hours), across all full and part time employees.

When asked what their perfect work schedule would look like, most UK workers (61%) say they would prefer to work longer hours each day to have an extended weekend. This choice of work pattern was most popular amongst the 25-34 year olds (65%). Three out of five (60%) 45-54 year olds also agreed.

Almost half (46%) of 45-54s are willing to work between 9-12 hours a day to secure an extended and more relaxed weekend.

Main reason cited for more flexible working
Those who want more flexibility cited their number one reason as achieving a ‘better work/life balance’ (28%). This figure increased to a third (33%) of all 45-54s (the highest proportion across all ages). But nearly a fifth (18%) of UK workers are either happy with their current work schedule and do not want to change anything, or they have already changed their schedule to adopt a smart/ hybrid approach to work.

A quarter think they would enjoy the flexibility of a four-day week (25%), whereas one in five (22%) would prefer not to commute to and from their workplaces every day. A similar number (21%) claim to be able to do their jobs just as well from home, or remotely.

Alistair McQueen, Head of Savings and Retirement at Aviva said: “Lockdown has changed the working lives of many. Flexibility has increased, and there appears to be appetite for more amongst some age groups.

“Our research indicates that those in mid-life are already working the longest hours on average. And they are also independently recognised as the least happy and most anxious age group.

“While it’s important to continue to do the right things for our clients, our customers and our colleagues, if employers can help individuals incorporate more flexibility into their schedule it can only be positive.

“Of all ages, greater flexibility in mid-life may carry the greatest reward for the individual and their employer. This is a fast growing employee population, and one that is under specific strain. Investing in them today will reap reward tomorrow.”