Has anyone actually landed a permanent 4-day week job in the UK? How did you find it?
Posted by Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 121 comments
Not a trial, not flexible working — an actual permanent 4-day week. Curious how people are finding these roles because most job boards make it really hard to filter for them.
Is anyone actually looking?
CherryHavoc@reddit
There's a company that headhunts me every so often and one of their selling points is a 4 day week. Unfortunately it's full time in-office and that more than cancels out the 4 day week for me, both mentally and the fact that I'd spend more time commuting into the city than I would get back from that extra day.
mordhoshogh@reddit
I used to do a 9 day fortnight with compressed hours. Worked a treat.
chill-manoeuver@reddit
Head hunted
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Being headhunted into a 4-day role is the ultimate win, they wanted you enough to offer the terms. That’s the goal for a lot of people
chill-manoeuver@reddit
Lucky. I interviewed at this firm a year before for a different role but lost to my now pal. A new position came up and my boss remembered me.
Univeralise@reddit
Most people who do this that I’ve been aware of are sub contractors who have a professional skillset
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Good point. Skilled contractors have always had more flexibility. Employed roles are catching up slowly but it’s definitely harder to find
Ok_Monitor_7897@reddit
Education support role which is 30 hours. I requested short lunch so I do 4 days and it was approved. I've been doing it for about 4 years now.
In terms of finding it, I was already in the setting and moved for the role rather than the hours.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s really creative. Finding the flexibility within the system rather than waiting for it to be offered. 30 hours over 4 days is exactly what the newsletter covers 🔥
Novaportia@reddit
I found a 3 day role but after a few months told them I couldn't afford to stay on 3 days. They put me up to 4. The idea was I expand my job role.
Would have worked brilliantly had I not broken up with my partner and had to move two hours away.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
4 days on full pay is the sweet spot, enough time back without the financial hit. Glad you found the balance and sorry about that though 🤎
Antique_Committee268@reddit
I'm 0.8 FTE so I work a 4 day week. Most corporate jobs accept 4 days for senior staff, but they prefer you to do 5, so when recruiting they don't advertise it. You're best off applying for full time and then at 2nd/3rd interview requesting it. Tbh at the moment as it's such an employers market you might not have much luck though...
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Really honest take and you’re probably right that it’s harder in an employers market. That’s exactly why the newsletter focuses on companies where it’s already policy, so you don’t have to negotiate at all. Takes the risk out of it 👏🏼
Haunting_Hour_4556@reddit
My last company had a 4.5 day week after trialling it a few years ago. I'd advocate for it in many companies.
It's amazing how quickly we achieved normal productivity by cutting most meeting by 15 minutes making them fortnightly.
Some weeks you'd still do 5 days, but those Friday afternoons were time you'd spend entirely uninterrupted. When you did take that afternoon off, it was great to get tasks done and out of the way so you could 'weekend' and relax properly.
Client facing teams would have to shift the half day around a bit across the team, but it was still offered.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
The meeting efficiency point is massive. Most companies waste hours every week in unnecessary meetings. Cutting those first before reducing hours is exactly how the successful ones do it. Sounds like a really well thought out approach 👍🏼
PabloMarmite@reddit
I used to work one in the NHS. I just asked for it on application and they said yes.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Just asking and getting a yes, that’s brilliant. Shows it’s more possible than people think. The newsletter is for people who want it guaranteed upfront rather than hoping 🙌🏼
VagabondOfLancashire@reddit
Yes. Electrical engineer. I work Monday-Thursday 6.30-15.30. Lost my job, looked for a job, and found this
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s exactly it — found it by just looking. The newsletter tries to make that search easier so people don’t have to stumble across it by luck 🌿
Hour-Estate-2962@reddit
No but I employ staff and have recently had 3 people interview for a 5 day a week role and ask for 4 at interview stage. I said yes to all of them (they wanted 80% work for 80% pay).
For various reasons as an employer I'd rather have 5 people doing 4 days than 4 people doing 5.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Really interesting from the employer side. If candidates are asking for it at interview, there’s clearly demand. Would your company ever consider making it official policy? Happy to feature you if so 🔥
Hour-Estate-2962@reddit
We are a tiny local business so probably not helpful for national job seekers but yes, nothing as official as a company policy but since those people asked we've started advertising jobs on a 3-5 day basis depending on the applicant's wishes.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Really appreciate the honesty and that’s actually really encouraging that even small businesses are open to it when candidates ask. Thanks for sharing
Randa08@reddit
I do 35 hours over 4 days. We were hot deskong and it was still so crowded they allowed us to compress our hours.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Hot desking chaos leading to compressed hours — not quite what I’d call a win but at least you got 3 day weekends out of it! 😄 The newsletter is for roles where it’s the actual policy from day one 🌿
Randa08@reddit
I actually chose to have Tuesdays off.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Tuesday off is actually sounds good 👌🏼 breaks the week right in the middle. Could be better than a Monday or Friday off 🤷🏻♂️
Thatpokerguy717@reddit
I used to work mon-thur, 6am - 4pm. Was pretty sweet whilst it lasted
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s the dream schedule. 3 day weekends every week. Shame it didn’t last. Hopefully the newsletter helps you find something similar again 👌🏼
apeliott@reddit
I had a job at a chemical refinery as a process technician which was basically r 4 days on and 4 days off at 12-hour shifts.
I didn't like it.
ClydeB3@reddit
I used to work 4 days a week.
Originally, I found it as a 5 day a week temp job.
I got taken on permanently and after working there a few years discussions about changing working hours came up (lots of people disliked getting caught in school traffic, and staggering start times meant we could run the machines for longer) - I was given the option between 4 longer days, or 5 shorter days a week and either the early, "normal" or late shift.
Late shift worked well for me, I worked 12-10pm and got Fridays off. The working hours and 4 day week are the main thing I miss from that job.
imtheorangeycenter@reddit
My partner requested a move to a 4 day week last year - not compressed hours or anything, just 80%, with pay and holidays oro-rata'd Was accepted - big tech company.
AromaticCream1987@reddit
I worked as a print assistant last year doing 4 days a week 6-3 but the company went bust in the August, I now work 5 days a week in a warehouse. Those 4 day a week jobs are out there. At my place some people are on 3x 12 hour shifts which I'd love to do but it works out a fair bit less money over a month
SimplyFootballNet@reddit
No.
But on covid they reduced our salaries by 20%, furloughed most the staff, and us remaining staff were working much more on a 20% reduced salary.
RecognitionWestern86@reddit
I work a four day week (investment industry). Started on three days but they needed more resource so I offered to extend it. I commit to working Monday to Wednesday but can work the fourth day flexibly - sometimes I do three longer days, sometimes I work in the evenings or weekend.
Works pretty well and me and I can see friends etc. I’m contactable five days a week so often end up working a bit over my contracted hours.
medlilove@reddit
Not one where you can sit down at a desk…
swanbrin@reddit
I currently work a 4 day week, the days are long (10-12 hours). But I’ve also found a 4 day on 4 day off job that I’m starting soon. It wasn’t on purpose, just accidental. Apparently contracted 37.5 hours a week, however I will have to do some night shifts which I’m not opposed to but not looking forward to.
Infections95@reddit
Atom bank work 4 day weeks but 5 day salary and most end up also working the Friday on additional pay.
just_some_lover@reddit
This is not quite true. They went from 37 hours a week to 34 hours a week across four days. So it's more like a whole company compressed hours situation which they're badging as four day work week. It's still great and I would love it, but it's not a pure four day working week.
Infections95@reddit
Not really though, many financial institutions including where I work, work 35 hours over 5 days. Moving to 34 isn't compressed really and they reduced and got paid their same salary in 2021.
just_some_lover@reddit
But the idea behind a four day work week is that you go to 0.8 FTE without any reduction in pay due to efficiencies etc. I'm not knocking it but often when people talk about the four day work week they conflate compressed hours with a four day work week. A true four day work week for Atom would have been 29.5 over four days. I'm not knocking it at all as it's great, but it's not a true four day work week as the experiments are talking about.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Really useful to know, that’s exactly the kind of detail I try to verify before featuring a company. Thanks for flagging it!
Namaste_Life@reddit
Do you have a particular hourly rate / salary in mind?
hiddenemi@reddit
Don’t bother asking, that is a bot.
Pure_Breadfruit8219@reddit
Fckin skinny
Namaste_Life@reddit
The bot replied to me though.
hiddenemi@reddit
I just meant, it’s not worth your time, I wanted save you some time
Obvious_Goat_764@reddit
Most people haven’t noticed yet it seems…
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
All salaries are included in every listing. that’s one of the things I always make sure to include. No mystery pay ranges!
dismaldunc@reddit
nope, but I do work a 2 day week?
KimbaTheLion@reddit
Probably not what you're looking for but I'm a nurse and work 3 long shifts a week. I fucking love it. I used to work office jobs, 8-4 Monday-Friday. I hated it. Monotonous, predictable. Felt like ground hog day. And you're just as tired after an 8 hour day as a 12.5 hour day in my opinion. And this time of year I get to enjoy sitting in the sun 4 days a week instead of 2 busy days when everyone is trying to cram their living life in. I can often swap shifts around and get 5 or 6 days off in a row without using annual leave. I love it and wouldn't ever want to go back to 5 days.
GFoxtrot@reddit
Part of the reason my mother in law retired was management stopped their 12 hour days during Covid, she was also a nurse.
KimbaTheLion@reddit
Why on earth did they do that?? Good for her though!
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
This is brilliant. That’s exactly the mindset shift more people need. More time for living, not just recovering from work!
Street-Pen8063@reddit
I’ve condensed my hours into a 4 day week. With one of those being from home. I work admin in the NHS. The long days are a killer, but I’m always glad for it when it comes to Friday and I don’t have to get up for work.
NoNeedleworker8860@reddit
I do 3 one week and 4 the next. In a care home on nights on min wage.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Rotating patterns are tough — especially nights on minimum wage. The newsletter focuses on salaried office roles but I appreciate how different the reality is for a lot of workers 🙏🏼
zipitdirtbag@reddit
I work 4.5 days compressed into 4. That's in a lab. It's not wfh.
It's tiring doing 4 long days but I use the extra day off to for a specific reason so it works for me.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Lab work is a different beast! Can’t exactly work from home with the equipment! Compressed hours are a start though 🤷🏻♂️
Excellent_Worker5527@reddit
My hubby used to work 5 days a week, then asked for 4 after our kid was born and still does 4 days. Not compressed, just fewer hours a week.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s a really common trigger. Having a kid and realising 5 days doesn’t work anymore. Great that his employer was flexible. The newsletter is for people who want it baked in from day one ☝🏽
Ok_Winter8230@reddit
I do 4 days uncompressed with full pay. The rest of the team do the same and our productivity is unaffected, in fact it’s more motivating to stay focused and efficient.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
This is the proof right there. Productivity unaffected, team happier, more focused. Which company is that if you don’t mind me asking? Would love to feature them 👌🏼
Mr-Incy@reddit
All of the OP's replies read like AI and seem to be promoting that they have a 'newsletter' that has companies who are offering a 4 day week on regular office hours (9-5), not compressed hours.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
fair challenge. I’m Joe, 29, from Blackpool. Built this because I spent months trying to find 4-day week jobs and couldn’t filter for them anywhere. The replies are formulaic because I’ve been saying the same thing all afternoon! The newsletter is real, just me curating jobs every Tuesday and Thursday. That’s all.
Mr-Incy@reddit
Where will people find this news letter?
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
https://4dayweekjobs.beehiiv.com
free, every Tuesday and Thursday ☺️
jetlagged-bee@reddit
I introduced the idea at my workplace and oversaw a 6-month pilot which was overwhelmingly successful. We have now enshrined the 4-day week with no loss of pay into our employment contracts.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
This is amazing! Would love to hear more about how you made the case for it. And if your company is still doing it and hiring, they’d be perfect to feature in the newsletter
MountainMuffin1980@reddit
Me yeah. Public Sector is what you're looking for, when recruitment freezes end...
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Public sector is a good shout. Councils and NHS trusts have been trialling it. Will definitely look at including public sector roles when recruitment freezes lift. Thanks for the tip!
Adorable_Orange_195@reddit
Not sure if it’s what you are looking for but I’m working for the NHS and do condensed hours so full time over 4 days a week with weekends and a set day midweek off.
I do 07:30-17:30 3 days and 07:30-17:00 one day to ensure my hours are the 37.5hrs which is full time in the NHS.
I could if I wished reduce my hours to down to anything as low as 26hrs over the same 4 days, but I do not wish to do so at present.
Some areas may allow even lower hours but usually at my banding they do not expect any less than 26hrs expect in job share or in exceptional circumstances.
RevolutionaryWorry87@reddit
I had a 5 day 34.5hr Now 4 day 34.5hr
Best thing I've ever done. These 3 day weekends are amazing. Wouldn't go back
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s the dream — same hours, one less day, three day weekends every week. Once you’ve had it you can’t go back.
This is exactly the kind of role the newsletter helps people find 🌿
NikkiJane72@reddit
I've always found the best way is to go in at 5 days a week, then once you've proved your worth ask to drop to 4. I'm lucky in having a degree and experience which makes me harder to replace. Helps if you have a reasonable excuse like being menopausal makes you extra tired, or something.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s a really common path — prove yourself first, then negotiate. The newsletter is for people who don’t want to play that game and just want it baked in from day one 🌿
Anxious-Bottle7468@reddit
I think you have to work somewhere for a while and then ask for it.
DameKumquat@reddit
It's the only way the spouse (software) has ever managed it. I'm a civil servant and still struggled to get part time jobs until I started full time and then cut down.
tyger2020@reddit
What are you even asking?
You say you don't mean compressed hours.. so are you just saying 'do part time jobs exist?'
BritishBrownie@reddit
Obviously they’re asking about people working in jobs doing (for example) 4x8-hour days “without loss of pay or benefits”, or in other terms being remunerated comparably to similar roles doing 5x8-hour days. As has been talked about frequently in the news in the last few years, for example here, or here, or here, or here, or here
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Exactly that — 4x8 on full pay. It’s been in the news a lot but finding actual live job listings at those companies is still a nightmare. That’s the gap the newsletter fills 🌿
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Good question. I mean companies that have reduced the working week to 32 hours or less, permanently, on full pay. Not part time, not compressed. Companies like Atom Bank, Octopus Energy, Buffer.
tyger2020@reddit
I promise this exists on such a minuscule level it's not even worth thinking about.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
It’s more common than you’d think — Atom Bank, Octopus Energy, Monzo, Buffer, Kickstarter all do it. Growing slowly but it is happening
tyger2020@reddit
Just because they do it doesn't mean they do it to any substantial degree. It's so rare that even just googling 'octopus energy 4 day week' brings up your post within the first page.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s actually a great point and exactly why the newsletter exists. Even if it’s rare, those people deserve a curated place to find those roles rather than digging through Google. That’s the whole point 🌿
daniscross@reddit
The distinction is there are roles which pay normal full-time wage despite only working four days per week, and without condensing all the hours into those days.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Perfectly put, that’s exactly it. Full time salary, 32 hours, 4 days. Should pin your comment as the description honestly 😄
Seafoxing@reddit
Yes. But the catch is it’s working midnight to 8am. Sat to Tue- with overtime if I need it. I thought it would be horrendous but it actually really suits me.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s the thing — the right schedule is personal. Night shifts suit some people perfectly. The newsletter is for those who want daytime office roles with fewer days 🌿
Orwell1984_2295@reddit
Yes, but it's not easy. And you probably need leverage to be successful. I applied for a full-time position, with decades of relevant experience, in a role they struggle to fill at a more senior level. In the interview I did raise my need for a 4 day week, they didn't seem particularly receptive. I said that I was happy to park that for now and discuss the details if I was successful and received an offer. The offer came through for 4 days a week and I just had to confirm my non-working day. Good luck.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Really useful insight — negotiating it at offer stage rather than upfront is a smart approach. The newsletter removes that uncertainty entirely by only featuring companies where it’s already the policy. No negotiation needed 🌿
Plane_Cut9127@reddit
I haven't, but advised a CEO to move to a 4 day week on full pay as he was hemorrhaging staff and they were coming to me for help with their mental health. He trialled it and it worked really well, and he now keeps his staff.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
This is such a powerful example — staff retention alone makes the business case. Mental health impact on productivity is massively underestimated. This is exactly why more companies need to make the switch permanently 🌿
ActionBirbie@reddit
It's possible in the NHS.
I worked shifts of 37 hours over 4 days once, as a receptionist.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
NHS is a great example of where shift patterns can work in your favour — 37 hours over 4 days is still better than 5 days even if the hours are similar. The newsletter focuses on private sector office roles but the principle is the same 🌿
cheeseismyname@reddit
My neighbor used to do 4 on 4 off 12 hour shifts, averaged out as 42 hours per week , he was an engineer in a printing works
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s a completely different model, shift work has always had shorter week patterns but the hours are brutal.
The newsletter is focused on office/knowledge work where it’s genuinely 32 hours, same pay, no catch 🌿
crestfallen_castle@reddit
I worked at a place when they announced they were giving it a trial run. The org has been getting it in the neck from all quarters though so despite the trial proving it has made staff work smarter and more efficiently it’s going to end over the next year. Thanks, dickheads in the media!
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s really frustrating — proved it worked but still scrapping it. Exactly why I only feature companies that have made it permanent policy, not trials. Trials are too vulnerable to outside pressure.
IranianAlan@reddit
My friend did it as with 5 on his team, he ended up working 50 hour weeks compressed, then they fired them all becuase it wasn't working out
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s exactly the problem with badly implemented trials — cramming 50 hours into 4 days and calling it a 4-day week. No wonder it failed. The companies I feature have genuinely reduced the hours, not just the days 🌿
ExpectedDickbuttGotD@reddit
Yeah, I work Monday to Thursday, on full salary.
But one of their conditions was that I work Fridays too.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s frustrating, advertised as 4 days but still expected on Fridays. Exactly the kind of thing that’s impossible to know until you’re in the role. Hopefully the newsletter helps people find the ones that actually mean it.
Remarkable-Drop8818@reddit
I work 4 days a week Monday to Thursday but I still do 35h per week.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
35 hours over 4 days is the dream. genuinely reduced hours not just compressed. Which company is that if you don’t mind me asking?
SnooCakes1636@reddit
Depends on perspective. 35 hours across 5 days is the norm for a lot of businesses particularly in financial services.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Exactly right it’s all relative to what you’re used to. The newsletter focuses on companies that have formally adopted 32 hours or less as their standard full time policy. Rare but they exist and that’s what makes them worth curating!
Remarkable-Drop8818@reddit
Prudential plc
Strange_Cranberry_22@reddit
I’m not sure many would be advertised as that unless as temporary cover for someone else who worked those hours.
Sometimes the hiring manager might be flexible, particularly if it’s for a new role that nobody has been in before. I had this in a job I went for - unintentionally there was a mixup where the recruiter hadn’t told him I currently worked 4 days. Although he was looking for 5 he accepted 4 on the basis that he’d rather have the right person for 4 days than the wrong one for 5.
I’d always be up front about it and wouldn’t suggest omitting information during the interview process but there’s definitely a moment around the second interview/job offer stage where you could explore the 4 day week option if the vibes are right.
Once you’re in the job, there could be possibility of changing hours in the future if you could demonstrate that it wouldn’t have a negative impact.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Really great point and that’s a genuinely useful tip about the second interview stage.
The newsletter focuses on companies that have made it official policy so there’s no guesswork, but you’re right that there’s often flexibility if you find the right manager. Thanks for the insight!
kylehyde84@reddit
My partner works a 4 day week - she loves it but the 4 days are longer hours to make up a 40hr work week (8am until 6.30pm)
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s a really common one. Compressed hours rather than genuinely fewer. The newsletter only features companies where it’s actually fewer hours, not just longer days. Hope it helps your partner find something better! 🌿
frecklyelbow@reddit
I do 90% hours over 4 days (7am-4pm). I've been doing it in my current company for 3 years and 1 year in the company I worked for previously. My current day off is Wednesday but I used to do Fridays off and Mondays off before that.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s still compressed hours though, same total hours over fewer days. The newsletter specifically looks for genuinely reduced hours, so 32hrs or less on full pay. Much rarer but they do exist!
Dennyisthepisslord@reddit
My mum works in a GP surgery and has been on 4 day weeks since she started there 15+ years ago just slightly longer days.
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
That’s really common in healthcare. 4 days but longer hours. The newsletter focuses on office/knowledge work roles where it’s genuinely fewer hours on full pay. Different world to shift work but great that it works so well for your mum!
Pure_Breadfruit8219@reddit
Some shift jobs are 4 day weeks and they have been around forever. And it’s a 48 hour week!
Fit_Strawberry_6518@reddit (OP)
Exactly why I specify permanent and reduced hours, not just compressed weeks. That distinction matters a lot!
Pure_Breadfruit8219@reddit
Did you specify that in your post? I don’t read that at all.
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