The Covid-19 pandemic has spurred a massive transformation in our approach to work, with terms such as ‘flexible working’ and ‘work-life balance’ rising to prominence in our general lexicon. As our focus remains on improving employee wellbeing and quality of life, in June 2022 more than 3,300 workers at over 70 UK firms began a historic six-month trial of a four-day working week.

Much has been discussed about this change: will it improve productivity; how does it affect mental health; will it be a long-term change? But by and large, these conversations have centred around office workers, suggesting that they will be the ones most able to reap the benefits of such a change.

We must, however, make sure that traditionally ‘blue-collar’ workers, in particular working in the manufacturing sector, do not get left behind in conversations around employee wellbeing and work-life balance. The industry is facing skills and labour gaps, all while trying to improve...