Hiya writer friends,
Today, let me take you behind the scenes of an article that was published in a special report for The Times (UK).
I regularly work with the business publication Raconteur, which also produces special reports distributed in The Times and The Sunday Times. My editor sends out calls for pitches and, over the years, I’ve contributed several stories. Highlights include an analysis of the EU’s proposed AI legislation and its impact on biometrics for a report on Authentication and Digital Identity, and an exploration of renewable energy exports via subsea cables for a report on Climate Action.
This time, my editor was looking for stories for the AI for Business report.
The Idea
I developed my story using a technique I often teach in Wordling Plus: combining two or more story ideas. With AI dominating business conversations, I knew I needed a fresh angle. Around that time, I’d also been exploring unique takes on the four-hour workweek—a concept that intrigued me, especially as the UK and other European countries have trialed it with interesting results.
Could anything interesting come from merging the two topics?
I started with some quick research to see what had already been said and discovered that 29% of companies adopting a four-day workweek cited AI as a key factor.
Voila! An idea was formed.
For me, grounding a theory in solid facts is essential. I suspected there might be a link between AI and the four-day workweek, but without supporting data, it’s just speculation. With stats in hand, I could make a strong case for the story—and I did.
I also felt it was important to break away from the usual doom and gloom surrounding AI. I wanted to focus not just on how AI could boost business profits but also on its potential to improve employee well-being—provided business leaders and policymakers make thoughtful, strategic decisions. My editor agreed that this needed to be our approach.
The Pay
I was paid 40p per word, totaling £400 (or $530).
That said, I always emphasize that the rate alone doesn’t tell the whole story—what really matters is the rate in relation to the time spent. A £400 story can be highly profitable if it takes an hour and barely worth it if it takes 20.
In this case, I completed the research and writing in about 4 hours, which worked out to an hourly rate of $132.50.
The Pitch
And here it is, the exact pitch that landed the assignment:
Dear [Name],
AI could be the key to unlocking a new era of business efficiency—one where a four-day workweek is not only possible but profitable. Recent studies suggest that artificial intelligence, especially tools like ChatGPT, could enable businesses to maintain productivity while reducing employee hours from 40 to 32 per week. For companies, this means doing more with less—less time, fewer resources, and potentially lower operational costs.
AI has moved beyond simple automation—it’s boosting efficiency in industries like software, marketing, and legal services. Companies using AI extensively are already seeing benefits, with 29% of those adopting a four-day workweek citing AI as a major driver. By streamlining operations and automating repetitive tasks, AI frees employees to focus on high-value work, keeping productivity high even with fewer hours.
This model can also improve employee retention and reduce burnout. Offering a shorter workweek without cutting pay attracts top talent and enhances morale, giving companies a competitive edge. However, the key lies in how AI is implemented. Businesses that use AI to optimize, rather than overburden, their workforce will see the greatest gains.
Would you be interested in a story about how AI offers a chance for businesses to rethink traditional work models? By using it wisely, the four-day workweek could shift from an experimental concept to a practical business strategy, boosting both productivity and employee satisfaction.
The Story
And, finally, the published story:
Is AI the key to the four-day work week? (The Times, UK)
I hope this gives you an insight into my process, and helps you pull out some helpful nuggets for your own.
Happy pitching!
Natasha