Bosses overwhelmingly say they are open to the introduction of a four day working week, according to a new survey.
A cross section of business leaders by Survation found 79 per cent would consider the idea as the Covid crisis changes the work pattern for many workers.
It came as another poll found support for a national maximum wage of £100,000 as the Government wrestles with ways to pay for the Covid hit to the economy.
The survey of business owners, chief executives, finance officers and directors showed 47 per cent are “very open” to a shortened working week and 32 per cent “quite open”.
The biggest concern was over increased wage bills if there was no reduction in employees pay.
Support for a four day week, with no loss of pay, has been growing and is backed by the TUC and major unions.
Experiments in other countries such as Sweden, Japan and New Zealand have suggested it can be achieved without loss of productivity.
Joe Ryle, of the 4 Day Week Campaign welcomed the poll, which was commissioned by the independent think tank Autonomy.
He said: “The idea is no longer seen as scary to business because they are realising it would actually boost productivity and give workers a much better work-life balance.
“It’s time to make it happen.”
Will Stronge, Director of research at Autonomy, said: “The four day week is popular with businesses, trade unions and even Conservative voters.
“Some businesses have already begun with it post-Covid.
"The UK has a unique opportunity to be a pioneer in this.”
A spokesman for the bosses union, the CBI, said: “Flexible working is becoming more essential than ever, but one-size-fits-all solutions are a step in the wrong direction.
“Working patterns should be responsive to both business needs and individual workers.”
A survey by the same company found 54 per cent of those polled would support national wage cap of £100,000 if it boosted incomes for the lower paid.
Luke Hilyard, Director of the High Pay Centre, said: “With the UK economy likely to be much smaller for the foreseeable future, we urgently need to think about sharing the wealth.”
