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“The 4-Day Work Week is Spreading Like Wildfire—Is Your Job Next?”

The traditional five-day, 40-hour workweek has long been the standard in many countries. However, growing concerns about employee well-being, productivity, and work-life balance have prompted a reevaluation of this model. The four-day workweek has emerged as a compelling alternative, offering the same pay for fewer hours while aiming to maintain or even boost productivity. Iceland’s pioneering trials have been particularly influential, demonstrating the potential benefits of this approach. This article explores Iceland’s experience and examines how other countries are adopting or experimenting with the four-day workweek.

Iceland’s Groundbreaking Trials

Background and Implementation

Between 2015 and 2019, Iceland conducted one of the world’s most extensive trials of a reduced workweek. The trials involved over 2,500 workers—more than 1% of the country’s workforce—across various sectors, including preschools, offices, social service providers, and hospitals. Participants moved from a 40-hour week to 35 or 36 hours without a reduction in pay.

Outcomes and Impact

The results were overwhelmingly positive. Productivity remained the same or improved in most workplaces. Employees reported feeling less stressed and at lower risk of burnout, with improvements in health and work-life balance. They also had more time for family, hobbies, and household chores.

Following the trials, unions renegotiated working patterns, leading to a significant shift in the country’s labor practices. By 2021, 86% of Iceland’s workforce had either moved to shorter hours for the same pay or gained the right to do so.

Global Adoption and Trials

United Kingdom

In 2022, the UK conducted the world’s largest four-day workweek trial, involving 61 companies and around 2,900 workers. The trial maintained 100% pay for 80% of the time, aiming for 100% productivity—a model known as 100-80-100. The results were promising: 92% of participating companies decided to continue with the four-day week, citing improved employee well-being and maintained or increased productivity.

Belgium

Belgium became the first European country to legislate a four-day workweek in 2022. Employees can choose to work a full week in four days instead of five without loss of salary. However, this model involves compressing the standard 38-hour workweek into four days, which may not suit all workers.

Germany

Germany launched a six-month pilot program in early 2024, with 45 companies participating. The initiative, led by Berlin-based consultancy Intraprenör and the non-profit 4 Day Week Global, follows the 100-80-100 model. A Forsa survey indicated that 71% of German workers would like the option of a four-day week, and 75% believe it would be desirable for employees.

Portugal

Portugal initiated a government-funded pilot in June 2023, with 39 private companies participating in partnership with 4 Day Week Global. The trial aims to assess the impact of a four-day workweek on productivity and employee well-being.

Spain

Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, conducted a pilot program in 2023 by scheduling four local holidays on consecutive Mondays, effectively creating a four-day workweek for 360,000 workers. The study found that the arrangement led to better health outcomes for workers and their children, as well as reduced pollution due to less commuting.

Japan

Starting in April 2025, Tokyo plans to implement a four-day workweek for government employees to address declining fertility rates and overwork. The initiative aims to give workers more time to start families by reducing their work hours to 80% while maintaining 100% of their pay.

United Arab Emirates

In January 2022, Sharjah, an emirate in the UAE, adopted a four-day workweek for government employees. While not yet a nationwide policy, the move has sparked discussions across the UAE about broader implementation.

Benefits of a Four-Day Workweek

Enhanced Productivity

Multiple trials have shown that reducing work hours can maintain or even increase productivity. For instance, Microsoft’s 2019 trial in Japan resulted in a 40% boost in productivity.

Improved Employee Well-being

Shorter workweeks have been linked to reduced stress, lower burnout rates, and better overall health. Employees report having more time for personal activities, leading to improved work-life balance.

Fewer working days can lead to reduced commuting, lowering carbon emissions and traffic congestion. For example, Spain’s Valencia pilot observed reduced pollution levels during the trial period.

Talent Attraction and Retention

Companies offering a four-day workweek may have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent, as employees increasingly seek better work-life balance.

Challenges and Considerations

Not Universally Applicable

While the four-day workweek has shown benefits in various sectors, it may not be suitable for all industries, particularly those requiring continuous operations or customer-facing roles.

Potential for Increased Work Intensity

Compressing the same amount of work into fewer days could lead to longer workdays and increased intensity, potentially negating the benefits of reduced workweeks.

Implementation Complexity

Transitioning to a four-day workweek requires careful planning, including adjustments to workflows, communication strategies, and performance metrics.

Conclusion

The four-day workweek is gaining traction globally, with Iceland’s successful trials serving as a catalyst for broader adoption. Countries like the UK, Belgium, Germany, and Japan are exploring or implementing shorter workweeks, aiming to enhance productivity, employee well-being, and environmental sustainability. While challenges remain, the growing body of evidence suggests that, when thoughtfully implemented, a four-day workweek can offer significant benefits for both employers and employees.

As the nature of work continues to evolve, the four-day workweek represents a promising avenue for creating more balanced and sustainable work environments.