Why campaigning for a shorter working week matters
As a new year begins, many of us take stock and set resolutions. You might be planning to spend more time on a hobby, learn a new skill, or finally get your work life balance into better shape. You might even be considering a job that better fits your circumstances. Alongside all of this, there is one resolution that could make a lasting difference for all of us campaigning for a shorter working week.
The case for change is growing
A recent survey by the Trades Union Congress revealed unprecedented levels of stress across UK workplaces. Burnout is no longer a fringe issue, it is a defining challenge of modern working life.
This is one of the key reasons behind calls for shorter working week trials in education. Campaigners have been clear that this is not about doing less work. It is about working smarter, protecting staff wellbeing, and ultimately improving outcomes for students.
Momentum across sectors
The movement is not limited to education. Workers at the Forestry Commission are now calling for a shorter working week, backed by evidence presented by the Public and Commercial Services Union. Their modelling suggests staff turnover could fall by 57 percent, absenteeism by 65 percent, and deliver an estimated £3.6 billion saving to government, alongside clear benefits for workers themselves.
A global shift in how we work
Internationally, the picture is just as striking. In Poland, almost 2,000 companies have applied to join a new 12 month trial supported by the government under the banner Shorter Working Hours It’s Happening. This level of interest shows that employers and governments alike are starting to recognise that better working patterns are essential for productivity, retention, and wellbeing.
What happens next
Here in the UK, the campaign for a shorter working week will be stepping up over the coming year. Updates will follow, but there are practical steps you can take right now to help build momentum.
- Share information with colleagues so they understand what the campaign is about
- Encourage non members in your team to join the union as collective strength is key to winning change
- Speak to your local Communication Workers Union representative and ask to be kept informed about local activity
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, you can contact the campaign team at shorter-working-week@cwu.org.
A shorter working week is not a distant idea. It is already being tested, debated, and demanded. This year, let’s make it one of the resolutions that truly sticks.