We Are
4 Day Week Global
The world’s leading organization with a goal to change the future of work through working smarter, not longer.
The origin of the 4-day week movement
4 Day Week Global was founded in 2019 by Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart to challenge one of the most entrenched assumptions of modern work: That productivity is measured by hours worked.
They reframed the global conversation; moving it away from time spent and toward output delivered. The idea of a four day work week quickly gained international traction. Trials were launched across multiple countries. Governments explored policy implications. Researchers examined productivity outcomes. Organizations began testing whether reduced working hours could improve performance, engagement and wellbeing.
The conversation shifted from “working less” to “working smarter.”
The Principle That Changed Everything
At the heart of 4 Day Week Global is a simple, proven model and methodology. The 100:80:100™ principle proves that time ≠ output. Our trademarked methodology guides leaders to redesign their systems to ensure teams deliver 100% output and receive 100% pay, all while working just 80% of the time.
The Four Day Work Week is not a reward, perk, or experiment. It’s the result of rintentional work redesign. 4 Day Week Global exists to help leaders redesign work at the root so performance improves long before hours reduce. A successful four day work week requires:
Clear decision-making structures
Strong productivity foundations
Meeting optimisation
Workflow redesign
Accountability systems
Performance clarity
The 5-Day Work Week Was Built for a Different Century
The 100:80:100™ model refers to 100% pay for 80% of your time while maintaining 100% output.
The Next Chapter: Custodianship & Evolution
Meet Your Transformation Partners at 4 Day Week Global
Karen Lowe and Debbie Bailey lead 4 Day Week Global with a shared vision for a better, more sustainable way of working.
Together, they’ve coached more than 150 organisations in 27 countries, guiding teams through the strategy, design, and implementation of work redesign and reduced-hours culture transformation. They possess multi-sector experience: manufacturing, tech, finance, retail, public sector & more. Their core expertise lies in work redesign, productivity, people-led design, and reduced-hours culture transformation.
Global Leadership, Global Insight
Across our ecosystem of researchers, academic collaborators, and delivery partners, 4 Day Week Global has supported 2,500+ organisations in 37 countries. This worldwide learning shapes every recommendation we make - always grounded in evidence and real-world results.
