The rise of the four-day week: not just a summer trend

Nearly half (48%) of UK companies now offer a formal four-day week, a shift that signals a move from ad-hoc summer flexibility to year-round structural change. Employees are embracing this evolution: 83% say the four-day week will become even more popular by 2030. Younger generations are at the forefront of the shift, with 91% of Gen Z and 87% of Millennials expect the shorter week to become the norm.

This formalisation reflects a broader cultural pivot: what began as an informal “Summer Friday” policy, letting staff cut loose for a few hours in the warmer months, has matured into a powerful recruitment and retention strategy.

With more employees seeking meaningful work-life balance and autonomy over rigid schedules, organisations are recognising the four-day week as a way to boost morale and stay competitive in a rapidly changing talent market. The benefits go beyond mere convenience, with nearly eight in ten (79%) workers who face stricter in-office mandates now considering leaving their current roles, signalling the growing importance of genuine flexibility for both wellbeing and retention.

Generational divide: younger workers set the pace

Unlike their older colleagues, Gen Z and Millennials are not content with short-term perks. They are not only the most likely to have access to a four-day week (59% of Gen Z, 53% of Millennials, compared to just 28% of Gen X and 40% of Boomers), but also the most enthusiastic about its benefits.

• Work-life balance: 76% of all employees say a four-day week improves work-life balance, with this sentiment strongest among the youngest cohorts
• Productivity and satisfaction: Over two thirds (67%) believe they get more done in fewer days, while 74% cite more time for personal development and 72% report greater job satisfaction

Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs, commented: “The transition from ‘Summer Fridays’ to the four-day week marks a fundamental change in how we think about flexibility. For younger generations, flexibility is a standard they expect, not just a seasonal perk. As UK workplaces adapt, embracing these new ways of working will be key to building happier, more productive teams all year round.”

A new work culture: beyond the Friday escape

While “Summer Fridays” once symbolised a temporary escape from the nine-to-five, today’s workforce is pushing for genuine, lasting flexibility. The findings suggest a clear generational shift.  For Gen Z and Millennials, flexible scheduling is not a bonus, but a baseline expectation. In contrast, older workers remain less likely to have access to these arrangements, yet even among Boomers, nearly two in five now see four-day weeks as a viable option.

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.