The Scottish government continues testing a four-day work week

• The experiment with a four-day work week has proven successful.
• Workers reported improved mental health and job satisfaction.
• The government does not plan to expand this practice to other state institutions.

The results of the annual experiment with a four-day work week, conducted by the Scottish government, indicate an increase in productivity and improved job satisfaction among employees. In the pilot project, two state organizations participated: the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and the Banking Inspection Agency (AiB), which started testing in 2024.

Both organizations, which employ 259 workers, implemented a 32-hour work week without reducing salaries and social benefits. Employees reported a reduction in stress and an increase in job satisfaction. 98% of SOSE employees believe that the experiment improved motivation and morale.

Research conducted by the Institute of Automation showed that there was no decrease in productivity; on the contrary, an improvement in employees' well-being was observed: 18.4% reported improved mental health. Job satisfaction also increased, particularly in SOSE, with the portion of those who felt "very satisfied" with the balance between work and personal life rising from 4% to 84%.

Despite the positive results, the government of Scotland does not plan to expand this practice to other state institutions at this time. Finance Minister Ivan McKee noted that the pilot results will help develop more effective working practices for the public sector. Both organizations received an extension of the experiment: SOSE for six months and AiB for two.

Tags: Europe/Well-being