Joe Ryle: The Man Getting your Fridays Back

In this episode of Just Beyond the CV, Rich Howell sits down with Joe Ryle, Campaign Director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, to explore one of the most debated topics in modern work culture - should we be working less?Joe shares his unconventional career journey, from environmental activism and political campaigning to becoming one of the UK's leading voices advocating for a shorter working week. Together, Rich and Joe unpack the history of the five-day working week, the rise of the four-day movement, and the surprising results from some of the UK's largest workplace trials. The conversation goes far beyond productivity statistics. They discuss burnout, ambition, work-life balance, flexible working, employee wellbeing, and whether success should be measured by hours worked or outcomes achieved. Rich also shares his own experience of implementing a four-day week in his business following a period of severe burnout and reflects on the impact it has had on both his team and his family life. Whether you're a business owner considering a four-day week, an employee questioning traditional working patterns, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode offers a balanced and thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional thinking and explores what a healthier relationship with work could look like.Just Beyond the CV is the podcast that uncovers the human stories, career pivots, failures, challenges and defining moments that never appear on a CV but shape who we become.