Despite the recent commencement of the UK’s largest ever trial of a four-day working week, jobseekers would rather be offered flexible working - according to research by the recruitment company Reed.

In June of this year, more than 3,000 people working for 70 businesses consented to taking part in a trial where they would work a shorter week (80%, or 4 out of 5 days of the week) for six months with no loss of pay but with the commitment to maintain 100% productivity. However, in a study of over 2,000 UK workers and 250 employers, Reed found that ‘flexible working’ was the term on a job description that the majority (45%) of people would heed. By comparison, the four-day working week would appeal to 40% and working from home behind both of these options at 32%. This was despite 89% being in favour of a four-day working week.

James Reed - Chairman of Reed - stated:

Despite strong arguments in support of a four-day working week, evidenced also by recent UK trials, our research suggests that it may not be the best or most popular way for businesses to attract and retain top talent.”

He added:

“The National Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Work has suggested that cramming five days’ work into four might contribute to stress. Instead, offering greater flexibility could be more impactful and more popular.”

He concluded:

Amid a highly competitive labour market, it’s encouraging to see so many employers open to exploring new and creative methods to attract candidates……it’s now more important than ever for employers and employees alike to embrace flexible and inclusive working patterns that will allow everyone to contribute to the workforce.”