Four-day working week: How to gain a three-day weekend without sacrificing results

Is it possible to gain a three-day weekend without sacrificing results and productivity? Yes it is, founders and activists tell John Meagher — and it can also mean fewer dull meetings, higher employee retention and lower rates of burnout

Sinéad Crowther and Denise Lauaki, co-founders of Soothing Solutions. Photo by David Conachy

John Meagher

It is known as the 100:80:100 principle and, for an increasing number of employees, it is transforming their work and lives. It stands for 100pc of pay for 80pc of the time in exchange for 100pc of productivity or output. And it is the building block of the burgeoning four-day week global movement.

For Barry Prost, an Irish entrepreneur behind the start-up Rent a Recruiter, 100:80:100 is ensuring an unusually high rate of staff retention. “Being a four-day-week company really helps not just to attract talent but to retain them too,” he says. “Since moving to a four-day week [as part of a 2021 pilot study led by the campaign group Four-Day Week Ireland], we have 100pc employee retention compared to the previous six months where there was a 20pc turnover.”