4-day working week brought in at Welsh company employing hundreds of staff
It's one of 17 companies which took part in a national trial to test a four-day working week with no increase in hours or reduction in pay
Bron Afon in Cwmbran has successfully completed a four-day working week trial
(Image: Google Maps )
A Welsh company has confirmed its plans to continue with a four-day working week, following the success of a national trial. Housing association, Bron Afon, was one of 17 companies to take part in a six-month pilot, which concluded with all participants opting to extend the shorter working week.
The trial, which began in November, 2024, was organised by the 4 Day Week Foundation and involved nearly 1,000 workers across a range of industries.
The aim was to test whether reducing the traditional working week from five days to four would impact productivity and employee wellbeing.
Bron Afon, which boasts a workforce of around 400, claimed the results had been overwhelmingly positive. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
The Cwmbran-based organisation shared that it had been able to maintain its performance and customer satisfaction, while also seeing significant benefits for its employees.
Alan Brunt, chief executive of Bron Afon Community Housing, said: "Almost as soon as we started talking about it, our teams got together to set about making it work which was brilliant.
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"We've closely monitored our performance and customer satisfaction. We're happy with the results so far and will continue to make sure we're delivering for our customers."
Nearly two-thirds of workers across all companies involved in the trial reported a reduction in burnout, with 40% saying they had seen improvements in their mental health, while almost half said they felt more satisfied with life overall.
Following the 100% success rate, director of 4 Day Week Foundation, Joe Ryle, commented: "With greater knowledge, expertise and experience of what it takes to successfully implement a four-day week, we're really pleased to see such a high success rate.
"People are happier, businesses are thriving, and there's no turning back.
"We've proved it again and again: a four-day week works and should now be implemented more widely across the economy."
Having seen the benefits first hand, Bron Afon is now committed to continuing with the four-day week, with Mr Brunt adding: "I expect that most organisations will be doing this in the next 10 years or so."
The campaign's success closely aligns with the results found by a group appointed by the Welsh Government last year. The group, established under the Workforce Partnership Council (WPC), spent a year studying the pros and cons of a four-day working week.
The project revealed five major benefits, including:
Improved work-life balance: Shorter work hours with no pay-cut help workers better balance work and personal life.
Better health: Reduced hours help prevent burnout, lower stress and improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Attraction and retention: Boosts recruitment and retention by offering distinctive benefit and effective pay increase (for fewer hours worked).
Greater inclusivity: Supports workers with caring responsibilities, fostering a more inclusive workspace.
Increased productivity and organisational performance: Due to increased feelings of wellbeing, those who are feeling well rested and happier tend to produce work more efficiently and of higher quality.
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