4 - Day Working Week

Is the Four-Day Working Week Right for Manufacturing?

The four-day working week has become one of the most talked-about changes in the workplace. While it’s been trialled successfully in many industries, manufacturing presents unique challenges. Customer demand, shift patterns, and operational hours all raise the question: can it really work here?

At our recent Four-Day Week Webinar, HR leaders and operations specialists from across the sector shared their experiences. The conversation highlighted both opportunities and hurdles, but one thing stood out, when handled well, the four-day week can have a major impact on retention, engagement, and overall workplace culture.

What We Learned

• It starts with people. The move wasn’t driven by productivity alone — the biggest driver was improving work-life balance and retaining staff.
• Flexibility matters. Every business approached it differently. Tailoring by department, role, or site was essential.
• Communication is key. Open conversations with staff, unions, and customers built confidence and reduced resistance.
• The results are positive. Happier employees, fewer absences, and stronger recruitment were common outcomes.

Of course, there were challenges to work through. Policies had to change, customer expectations had to be managed, and overtime needed clear rules. But the overall picture was one of success, with businesses reporting that the benefits far outweighed the obstacles.

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We’ve put together a summary of the main lessons from the webinar, covering practical approaches, challenges, and advice for manufacturers considering the shift.