The Mental Health Foundation reports the impact of a shorter working week on their team.
“In April 2024, the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) joined the hundreds of organisations piloting a shorter working week. Full-time hours dropped from 35 to 32, and part-time hours proportionately, with no reduction in pay. Most staff had considerable freedom over their working pattern, but many considered business needs.
MHF’s reduced working week has been genuinely implemented in practice by most staff – half stick fully to their new contracted hours; 94% worked zero to three extra hours per week – suggesting the large majority have reduced their hours below a pre-pilot standard week. Fewer people are working excess hours than pre-pilot, reflecting a broader culture shift.
However, a large proportion of employees still work over their contracted hours. Flexibility is an important feature of work at MHF for many staff who deliver public-facing activities, work with external partners or experience workload fluctuations related to seasonal activities and events – and is often welcomed.”
“There is strong evidence that the 32-hour week has improved employee wellbeing and reduced inequalities, and no indications that it has harmed performance. It interacts positively in both directions with key factors for organisational success, such as strategic focus and personnel stability. By undertaking the pilot at a time of broader change, MHF demonstrates its role as a pioneer implementing mental health solutions in the real world.
Following the pilot, evaluation and rigorous discussion, the Board agreed to make the 32- hour week permanent at MHF – it is now part of staff contracts. MHF believes that shorter working weeks have strong potential as a more widespread measure, and even a social and cultural shift, which can support public mental health.”
Rethinking the School Week: Could a Shorter Working Week Transform Education?
The demands of the education sector have, for many years, led to high levels of burnout and stress among teachers and staff. The traditional five-day working week, often extending far beyond official hours, leaves little time for rest, personal life, and mental recovery. But what if there was a better way? This recent pilot by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), suggests that a shorter working week could be a powerful tool for improving wellbeing and sustainability in education without sacrificing performance.
The MHF’s year-long trial of a 32-hour working week, with no cut in pay, produced remarkable results. It showed that less time at work can lead to significant improvements in employee wellbeing. This is a crucial finding for an industry where long hours are a major contributor to stress. The report found that a reduced week led to a better work-life balance (reported by 79% of staff) and greater mental wellbeing (reported by 68%). These benefits were particularly pronounced for part-time employees and those with existing mental health challenges, disabilities, or caring responsibilities, suggesting that a shorter working week can help reduce workplace inequalities.
A key takeaway for schools is the link between wellbeing and productivity. When staff are less stressed and more rested, they are better able to focus and engage with their work. The MHF pilot found that a majority of employees reported greater productivity and an improved ability to manage their workload. Far from harming performance, the reduced week encouraged greater efficiency and strategic prioritisation. This translates directly to the classroom: a well-rested, less-stressed teacher can be more present, focused, and creative, leading to better outcomes for students.
The MHF pilot saw a dramatic decrease in the number of employees intending to leave the organisation—from 33% to just 15%. This is especially relevant in the education sector, struggling with high staff turnover. Interestingly, the number of applications for job vacancies nearly doubled, with the 32-hour week being a more significant motivator for applicants than salary. In a competitive environment, offering a reduced working week could be the key to attracting and keeping the best teaching talent.
While some might worry about the practicalities of a four-day week for schools, the MHF pilot demonstrated that flexibility and a supportive culture are key enablers. Allowing staff to choose their working patterns and encouraging a focus on impact rather than just hours worked can make a reduced week highly successful. By prioritising staff wellbeing, schools can create a more sustainable and effective working environment for everyone, ultimately benefiting both teachers and students. A reduced working week isn’t just a perk; it’s a strategic move that could help solve some of the most pressing challenges facing the education system today.
LinkedIn Article: https://www.linkedin.com/rethinking-school-week-could-shorter-working-transform-education
AMHIE can support you with wellbeing at your setting, how to introduce new initiatives and CPD.
Get help to implement initiatives in the new academic year with AMHIE. We can help your team to develop and understand mental health and wellbeing using a whole school approach, as well as offer support, advice and resources to make things easier. contact our central team for guidance on how we can best support you: support@amhie.com or 02381120010.