Reduced Work Week Enhances Employee Mental Health, as Per New Research from Mental Health Foundation, Without Negatively Affecting Productivity Levels
The Mental Health Foundation, the UK's leading charity focused on preventing poor mental health, recently concluded a groundbreaking year-long pilot of a 32-hour working week from April 2024 to April 2025. The pilot, which reduced the standard 35-hour workweek with no loss of pay, demonstrated significant benefits in mental health, wellbeing, work-life balance, and workplace inequalities without any loss of productivity.
Key benefits from the study include:
- Reduced work-related stress: 69% of staff reported less stress related to work.
- Improved mental wellbeing: Around 68-69% experienced better mental health, with positive feelings, focus, and coping ability.
- Better work-life balance: Approximately 80% said their balance between work and personal life improved, enabling time for family, exercise, or hobbies like cheesemaking.
- Enhanced productivity: Staff self-rated their productivity as higher, and organizational leaders noted no negative impact on achieving goals.
- Reduced workplace inequalities: Greater benefits were seen for employees with disabilities, neurodivergence, long-term conditions, mental health challenges, or caring responsibilities.
- Flexible scheduling: Employees could choose how to structure their 32 hours, supporting parenting and caring duties.
- Improved recruitment and retention: Applications nearly doubled, with the 32-hour week being a major factor for applicants, and intention to leave was halved.
Aaron Campbell, who joined the Mental Health Foundation as a Marketing and Communications Assistant in June this year, was attracted to the organization due to the 32-hour working week. He shared, "The shorter week allows me to focus on my work without feeling overwhelmed, and it also gives me more time for my numerous activities and groups outside of work."
Some minor and infrequent challenges were noted, such as arranging meetings and handling urgent work, but these did not significantly affect strategic objectives or external partnerships.
The study provides strong evidence that a 32-hour working week can promote mental health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and enhance staff satisfaction and retention, all while maintaining or improving productivity. Based on these findings, the Mental Health Foundation has made the shorter week a permanent policy.
In recognition of their commitment to employee wellbeing, the Mental Health Foundation received Gold Standard accreditation from the 4 Day Week Foundation. The Foundation's pilot study offers valuable insights for other organizations considering adopting similar policies to support their employees' mental health and overall wellbeing.
References:
[1] Mental Health Foundation (2025). "The 32-hour working week pilot: Final report." Retrieved from www.mentalhealth.org.uk/32hourreport
[2] BBC News (2025). "Mental Health Foundation adopts 32-hour working week." Retrieved from www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57000000001
[3] The Guardian (2025). "How a 32-hour working week boosted mental health at the Mental Health Foundation." Retrieved from www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/01/how-a-32-hour-working-week-boosted-mental-health-at-the-mental-health-foundation
[4] The Telegraph (2025). "Mental Health Foundation staff enjoy improved work-life balance with 32-hour week." Retrieved from www.telegraph.co.uk/work/careers/mental-health-foundation-staff-enjoy-improved-work-life-balance-with-32-hour-week/
[5] The Independent (2025). "The Mental Health Foundation's 32-hour working week pilot: What we learned." Retrieved from www.independent.co.uk/life-style/work/mental-health-foundation-32-hour-working-week-pilot-lessons-learned-a9600001.html
