The four-day working week is no longer just a theory. Across the UK, thousands of employees and employers have tested shorter working weeks in 2024 and 2025 and the results are hard to ignore.
For recruitment agencies, this shift could reshape how clients attract, retain and manage talent. Understanding these changes now will help you stay ahead of the curve.
The latest evidence from 2024 and 2025
Recent UK pilots show just how effective the four-day week can be. In a six-month trial involving almost 1,000 workers across 17 organisations, every single employer decided to keep the model in place. Staff reported less burnout and improved life satisfaction, while some businesses even saw revenues rise - one company by more than 100%.
It isn’t just private companies making the move. South Cambridgeshire District Council introduced a four-day week and has since made it permanent. The council reported that 21 out of 24 key services improved or stayed the same, job applications more than doubled, retention improved, and agency staffing costs fell by nearly £400,000 in a year.
Nationwide, it’s estimated that almost 1.5 million UK workers are now on shorter working weeks. With this momentum, four-day models are shifting from experiment to mainstream.
What this means for agencies
For recruiters, the rise of the four-day week brings both opportunities and challenges.
- Stronger employer brands – Clients offering shorter working weeks stand out in a crowded market, helping agencies position them as forward-thinking and people-focused.
- Better placement outcomes – With employees reporting less stress and higher satisfaction, roles in these organisations are more likely to stick, leading to stronger retention for clients and candidates.
- Specialist advice – Agencies can add value by guiding clients on whether a four-day model is viable for their industry, and how to structure roles and expectations.
- Managing complexity – Not all sectors can make the transition easily. Agencies will need to help clients balance operational requirements with growing candidate demand for flexibility.
Looking ahead
The latest trials show that shorter weeks can deliver on both performance and well-being. With more organisations exploring flexible models, recruitment agencies have a vital role to play in helping clients adapt and in matching the right candidates to these evolving roles.
The four-day week is no longer a trend to watch - it’s becoming part of the modern workplace. For agencies ready to embrace it, this is an opportunity to lead conversations with clients, strengthen candidate relationships, and stay aligned with the future of work.
With working practices evolving so quickly, it can be hard for agencies to keep up with what’s next - especially when compliance is constantly under review. At Giant, we’ve been supporting the recruitment industry for over 35 years, helping agencies of every size stay compliant, manage risk, and focus on growth. Whether it’s payroll, funding, screening or back-office support, we’ll keep you one step ahead so you can concentrate on placing talent and building your business.
