Better Work Lab was inspired by my research into the four-day work week and reduced working hour schedules.
While completing my postgraduate research I explored the growing body of research surrounding workplace flexibility, employee wellbeing, productivity, and the future of work. What stood out throughout the literature was the increasing evidence suggesting that reduced working hours can lead to improvements in wellbeing, work-life balance, employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention when implemented effectively.
At the same time, the research also highlighted the complexity of workplace change. Questions surrounding productivity, organisational culture, leadership, industry differences, and long-term sustainability repeatedly emerged as important considerations for businesses exploring reduced-hour models.
What became clear to me is that the conversation around the four-day work week should move beyond trends and headlines. Businesses should seriously consider reduced working hour schedules not simply because they are popular, but because they present an opportunity to rethink how work can better support both people and organisational performance in a modern world.
That belief became the foundation for Better Work Lab.
Rethinking The Future of Work
At Better Work Lab, we explore how reduced working hours — particularly the four-day work week, 100:80:100 model — can create healthier, more sustainable ways of working. As conversations around burnout, flexibility, wellbeing, and productivity continue to grow, I believe organisations have an opportunity to rethink long-standing assumptions about how work is designed.
Why This Matters
The traditional five-day working week has remained largely unchanged for decades, despite major shifts in technology, productivity, and modern life.
Research into reduced working hours has highlighted the potential for improved wellbeing, morale, work-life balance, and retention. At the same time, organisations face real challenges around implementation, productivity, coordination, and financial sustainability.
I believe these conversations deserve thoughtful, evidence-informed exploration rather than simplistic solutions.
Evidence-Based Beliefs
I believe:
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better work should support both people and performance
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flexibility should be sustainable, not performative
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workplace wellbeing and organisational effectiveness can coexist
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reduced working hours are not a one-size-fits-all solution
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meaningful workplace change requires careful design and evidence-led thinking
The Focus
Better Work Lab exists to explore the realities of reduced working hour schedules in practice.
The work focuses on:
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Four-day work week research
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Organisational readiness
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Workplace wellbeing
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Productivity and sustainability
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Leadership and organisational culture
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The long-term future of flexible work
The Vision
I envision a future where work is designed more intentionally — with greater emphasis on sustainability, wellbeing, and meaningful productivity.
The four-day work week may not be the answer for every organisation, but it represents an important opportunity to rethink how work can better support both human and organisational needs.