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Wales Online
National
Bethany Gavaghan

'People will be better motivated' Wales speaks of support for working a four-day week

People in Wales have spoken of their support for the idea of workers in Wales moving to a four-day working week to promote productivity.

Belgium and Iceland are countries that have both embraced a four-day working week. And with the UK companies carrying out successful trials to see if it's something that could work in our corner of the world- could Wales be the next to roll it out?

Talks have been taking place around whether a four-day week could really work after a Welsh Senedd Committee said Wales should make "serious moves" towards introducing it to boost productivity, wellbeing and the economy. And while many people seem to be open to the concept, others thought that with everything going on right now it is the last thing we need.

Read more: Welsh politicians call for four-day working week pilot in Wales

Almost three years on from when Covid-19 turned people's lives upside down, many more workers in Wales now still work solely online, and have already adapted to a completely different 9-5. When remote worker Chris Lamb was asked how a four day working week would impact people like him, he told us: "Being fully remote I don't think I have any strong opinions right now.

"I know that my contract is 40 hours and that seems quite normal to me but I know the benefits that are presented to me in terms of the flexibility and the work-life balance so I imagine I would just gain more as a result of less working hours a week I suppose.

"If I were presented with a four day week tomorrow I know it would take a few weeks to figure out what works best for me... but it will definitely give flexibility. Life doesn't feel simple so any flexibility work can give towards that is going to be a benefit in my opinion.

"It's all about self discipline. Remaining focused is something I think we all struggle with and the weekend hangover could play a part in that. But I can see myself potentially being a lot more focused just knowing I've got a limited time to work."

John Page was less than impressed at the idea of a four day working week. (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

"We're broken at the moment. We're not quite right and determination and hard work are two key criteria's to get us back on track" said John Page- who was less than impressed at the idea of a four day working week we asked people in Cardiff what they made to the concept.

John also noted: "I think it's not for everybody. I think if you've got the discipline, the focus and you're very conscientious I think it'll work for you.

"I think if you allow it it to be done by the people who haven't got that it'll cause problems in the workplace like with productivity... and the four day week I'm wondering whether it would then go to a three day week. And then the balance could be wrong- you might be sending out the wrong message.

"Throughout all my life and my father's and mothers you work five days a week. Some industries or professions you work six or seven and somebody can't remember when they've had a Saturday or Sunday off but now you're telling people they don't have to work Fridays or Mondays- it just could be the wrong message that you don't have to work as hard.

"That could be unfair what I'm saying but I've been working now for fifty years so the message to your staff from the leadership team of a company is very important. If you don't get the right message to the people that are working for you you can have mixed messages through your team depending on their own focus, their own determination- their own discipline."

Paula Bull-Morales believes the younger generation will be the people to enforce a four day working week one day. (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Speaking about the changing attitudes the younger generation has when it comes to working life, Paula Bull-Morales said: "I think it would help people stay more motivated during the week and give people longer to relax an spend time with family.

"I think it would make people work more efficiently when they are at work. It would take this generation to be in government for it to then trickle down. I think the fact it's being spoken about now means that maybe within 20 years it will be put in place.

"I think this generation will definitely be the one to drive it."

John Page is tempted to see how a four day working week could benefit his business. (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

John Page, who owns an IT business, Netsec in Cardiff said: "I think it's definitely a potential. I think you've got to consider as a business owner you have an operation to run on a daily basis.

"It's a commitment you make financially to employ people but equally I think employee welfare and keeping your employees happy is absolutely critical to a successful business. So I think it's on a case-by-case basis.

"I think some roles, obviously are critical to making your business successful so maybe a sales role for example but then maybe your HR team or maybe your admin team there's more flexibility there.

When asked whether he feels that going down to a four day week would boost his own employees' productivity, Myles noted: "Not everyone has the same attitude so I think that sort of starts from hiring the right people and giving those opportunities doesn't become so much of a consideration. I think if someone's really dedicated to their job and delivering results and they go above and beyond- they make up for that so I don't think it's a problem in that scenario."

Lestyn Davies is in favour of a four day working week and the benefits it could bring him. (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Lestyn Davies seemed keen on making more time for his personal life, noting: "It's an excellent idea. I'd have more time with the family and a longer weekend. I don't think it's for everyone.

"But I think if you're an office worker- or it depends on the level of flexibility of your work really. But absolutely I think people would be more productive."

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