The 4 Day Week Foundation campaigns for a 32-hour four-day week with no loss of pay for workers. Before starting my placement, I set out three key objectives with my host supervisor. I have met all three of these objectives. Each one is discussed in more detail below.
Objective 1: Conduct a quantitative analysis and produce a report on recent 4-day week pilots
I authored a 10,000-word report on the organisation’s most recent four-day week pilot. I was tasked with interpreting and reporting the data. I also devised the questions for two case study interviews. I worked with quantitative and qualitative data and used descriptive and inferential statistics and visual aids to facilitate comprehension amongst a wider audience. The report was published by the organisation and played an important role in disseminating the organisation’s key message.
Objective 2: Produce a report assessing the effects of a 4-day week for children and schools
I co-authored an 10,000-word report assessing a range of existing literature relating to the feasibility of a four-day week for pupils and teachers. As it is an under-researched area in the UK, I needed to draw on and develop my problem-solving skills and think creatively about the literature that might be relevant to the topic. I assessed various fields of literature, synthesised the key information, and identified the key research gaps. Experts from within the teaching profession reviewed the report and provided feedback. The report is due to be published by the organisation in September 20252.
Objective 3: Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and projects that further the move towards a 4-day working week
First, I helped plan engagement events. The key tasks I conducted included identifying opportunities and stakeholder management. Second, I developed engagement strategies for organisations within three key target sectors, conducted outreach to these organisations, and led an initial meeting with one organisation about a potential partnership. These tasks allowed me to draw on the impact training I have received via the NINEDTP. I was able to map out areas of interest and influence, devise objectives and implement concrete actions to enable the organisation to start building partnerships in these sectors.
Other skills and outputs
I presented desk-based research into a four-day week in education for the wider team, which developed my ability to communicate research with a non-specialist audience. I produced a half-page summary for a funding bid for a research project that the organisation is hoping to conduct, which gave me insight into how funding processes work. Finally, I spent a week in the organisation’s London office, which allowed me to get to network and benefit from in-person mentorship.
Conclusion
The placement was an invaluable opportunity for me. Now, I better understand how the skills that I have developed throughout my PhD could be used, and framed, for a job outside of academia. Furthermore, I have refined my teamwork, collaboration, communication and adaptability skills. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the NINEDTP for funding this placement.
2 See Output 2.
Outputs
1.
Regan, A. (2025) The Future of Work: 100% Success Rate in Latest UK 4-Day Week Pilot. 4 Day Week Foundation.
2.
Regan, A. and Reeves, J. (Forthcoming) Smarter by Design: The Evidence for a Four-Day School Week [Working Title]. 4 Day Week Foundation.