The Success of Our 4.5‑Day Week Trial

Over the past few years, more and more businesses have started rethinking the way we work, not just where or when, but how much. The five‑day week has been the norm for generations, yet as conversations around flexibility, wellbeing, and productivity continue to evolve, it’s clear that the traditional model no longer suits everyone. I wanted to explore a smarter, more balanced way of working, one that gives people the space to rest and recharge, while still delivering great results for our clients.

The idea of a shorter week isn’t just about creating happier teams (though that’s certainly part of it). Businesses around the world are finding that productivity actually increases when people have more time to switch off. With fewer hours to play with, teams naturally focus on what really matters, trimming out unnecessary meetings, prioritising tasks more effectively, and bringing greater energy and creativity to their work. A compressed schedule also sends a strong message, that wellbeing and performance go hand in hand. When people feel valued and have time to breathe, they show up more motivated, innovative, and engaged.

With that in mind, after plenty of reading, research, and reflection, I decided to take the leap. In October 2025, we launched our own 4.5‑day working week trial, keeping our usual 9am to 5:30pm hours from Monday to Thursday and wrapping up at 12:30pm on Fridays. The total hours are 33.5 hours, with no loss of pay. Throughout the four‑month trial, I kept a close eye on the team, tracking productivity, client satisfaction, and overall wellbeing.

Now, four months in, the results are clear, the trial has been a real success!

Productivity and Performance

One of my biggest questions at the outset was whether we could maintain the same standards of delivery in a shorter week. The answer was a resounding yes. Team members said they easily completed their work within the new hours, often finding themselves more focused and efficient.

“I’ve automated all the bits of the job I can and I’m just getting things out of the door more quickly instead of ‘oh I’ll send this tomorrow.’”

“I’ve scheduled work to be more efficient and push myself to get more than usual done at the start of the week.”

Many also reported a noticeable improvement in productivity, not because of increased pressure, but due to sharper prioritisation and motivation.

Wellbeing and Work–Life Balance

The shift to a 4.5‑day week has had a big impact on how people feel both inside and outside of work. Extra free time on Friday afternoons has helped staff unwind, manage life admin, and spend time with family, all without the guilt of unfinished work hanging over the weekend.

“So many little things that I’ve been having to squeeze in at the weekends or evenings I’ve been able to do on a Friday afternoon.”

“It’s given me a real glimpse of what a healthy work/life balance could look like.”

For many, that sense of balance has translated into better energy levels and improved morale.

“Having Friday afternoons free gives me something to look forward to and helps with work–life balance.”

Team Happiness and Culture

Job satisfaction has increased across the board. Several team members admitted they’d be disappointed to see the scheme end. It’s also sparked a renewed sense of connection and shared purpose, everyone is learning how to get the best from their time.

“I’m happy we’ve made this change, and would be disappointed if we were to revert back to our original hours.”

“Better balance, improved morale, and something to look forward to each week.”

Looking Ahead

Our 4.5‑day week trial has shown that a small structural change can make a big difference, not only to how we work, but to how we feel about work. Productivity hasn’t dipped, deadlines are still met, and client satisfaction has remained high. Most importantly, my team feels happier, more balanced, and more motivated.

We’ve learned that when people have the time and trust to recharge, the results follow naturally. As one team member put it, “It’s great to have that extra time off… just those extra couple of hours make so many little things easier to get done.” That sense of balance and freedom is exactly what I hoped to achieve.

With the success of the trial, we’re excited to confirm that the 4.5‑day week is now a permanent part of our working culture. It’s a commitment to wellbeing, efficiency, and creativity, values that will continue to shape how we grow as a business.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to seeing the long‑term impact as we continue refining how we work. After all, a thriving team is the best foundation for doing great work, and that’s something worth investing in.

We are also proud to share that Bronco has been awarded Silver Standard accreditation by the 4 Day Week Campaign, recognising us as an accredited four day working week employer. This accreditation reflects the success of our 4.5 day week and reinforces our long term commitment to wellbeing, productivity, and sustainable ways of working.