Could advisers and planners cope with a four day work week?

A look at formalising a set-up away from the traditional five day week 

clock • 4 min read

Could all weeks be a bit more restful if we only worked four days? The answer, it seems, is a resounding yes, writes Justin Cash, with little impact on productivity.

Positive results keep pouring in from a major trial where businesses across the economy are working in a radical new way. The basic idea is that you do 80% of the hours. But to get 100% of the pay, you have to do 100% of the work. It got me thinking: what is 100% of the work of an adviser? And could IFAs learn a thing or two from this reduced-hours trial? Advice firms, particularly newer ones, may well set aspirational targets in terms of client numbers, assets, or revenue. But key performance indicators on adviser output do not work like they do in, say, a manufacturing busines...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

The enduring value of advice in an era of DIY investing

The enduring value of advice in an era of DIY investing

'The debate is about execution and consistency'

Chris Ball
clock 10 March 2026 • 4 min read
Aberdeen's Kenny on 'hugely worrying' financial literacy gender gap

Aberdeen's Kenny on 'hugely worrying' financial literacy gender gap

Recent research findings

Jen Frost
clock 09 March 2026 • 3 min read
News editor's view: What I've learnt from ambitious young women in advice

News editor's view: What I've learnt from ambitious young women in advice

To mark International Women’s Day this year, I wanted to shine a light on the young female talent out there in the advice profession.

Isabel Baxter
clock 06 March 2026 • 4 min read