Rethinking 9-5: Could a Four-Day Work Week Work in Guernsey?

The five-day, 9-5 working week has long been the standard, but as businesses and employees demand more balance, could a 4-day week be the way to go?

Trials around the world have shown dramatic results, from reduced burnout to increased productivity.

How It’s Working Elsewhere

Three success stories from four-day week trials show just how powerful this change can be:

Microsoft Japan (2019):

• Introduced a four-day week with no reduction in pay
• Resulted in a 40% increase in productivity per employee

UK Pilot (2022, 61 companies):

• Nearly 3,000 workers took part in a six-month trial
• Resulted in 92% of companies keeping the four-day week afterwards and many making it permanent

Dubai Public Sector (Summer 2025):

• Rolled out a four‑day week during the summer
• Early feedback shows increased employee happiness and productivity

But What Are the Benefits for Employers and Employees?

• Companies like Microsoft Japan proved employees can achieve more in less time
• UK companies reported easier hiring and lower staff turnover
• Dubai’s public sector saw a boost in employee happiness and productivity following its summer rollout
• Stress and burnout consistently dropped across all trials
• Reduced energy use and fewer sick days contributed to overall business efficiency

So, Could This Work in Guernsey?

Guernsey’s economy is unique, with heavy reliance on finance, professional services, and client-facing roles. For some industries, like hospitality, healthcare, and retail, implementing a four-day week may be more complicated, but for many office-based businesses, the four-day week could:

• Attract the best talent in a competitive local market
• Offer a healthier work-life balance
• Demonstrate innovation and commitment to employee well-being

In fact, we already work with clients who’ve successfully adopted more flexible options, such as the popular nine-day fortnight, showing that change is already happening.

A New Way Forward

A four-day work week doesn’t just make employees happier, it can make businesses more productive and resilient, too.

For Guernsey employers, it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but trialling shorter working weeks, flexible hours, or compressed hours could be the step forward needed to future-proof recruitment and workplace culture.

Savannah Silva, Recruitment Consultant at Leapfrog, says:

"Trialling a four-day week over the summer, like Dubai, could be a great place to start. Guernsey has a unique lifestyle, so why shouldn’t our work culture reflect that too? It’s a chance for local businesses to offer the kind of flexibility people want, without compromising on productivity."

What do you think, could Guernsey embrace the four-day week?

If you’d like to explore how flexible working could help your business attract and retain the right people, we would be happy to support you!