The resurgence of discussions around the four-day workweek was sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a reconsideration of workplace flexibility and benefits.
The concept involves employees working four days a week with the same pay, benefits, and workload. Advocates argue that this model enhances employee satisfaction and productivity by reducing meetings and promoting independent work.
Belgium led the way in legislating for a four-day workweek in February 2022, allowing employees to choose between working four or five days without a loss of salary. The aim is to make the labor market more flexible and improve work-life balance. However, concerns exist, especially regarding long workdays for some and the lack of flexibility for certain professions.
Germany initiated a pilot for a shorter workweek in February 2023, with 45 companies participating in a six-month experiment. A majority of German workers express interest in a four-day workweek, and the outcome of the trial remains to be seen.
Portugal has joined the global trend, launching a government-funded pilot involving 39 companies. The initiative follows the “100:80:100 model,” offering full pay for 80% of the time while maintaining at least 100% productivity.
In the UK, a six-month trial involving 61 companies and over 3,300 employees concluded as a success, leading many businesses to adopt the four-day workweek permanently.
Scotland initiated a government trial in January 2024, and Wales is considering a pilot following recommendations from the Petitions Committee. The Welsh government is exploring the idea after a report suggested a trial in the public sector.
Spain started a modest pilot program in December 2022, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises in reducing their workweek without salary cuts. The government aims to test whether productivity can be increased, providing financial aid and training support.
Iceland stands out as a leader in the four-day workweek, conducting a successful pilot from 2015 to 2019, resulting in reduced stress and burnout and an improved work-life balance for workers.
Sweden tested a four-day workweek with full pay in 2015, with mixed results. While some units, like an orthopedics unit in a university hospital, reported positive outcomes, the overall response was varied, and the experiment was not renewed.
Contrary to earlier reports, Finland has not officially introduced a four-day workweek.
In Japan, larger companies are exploring the four-day workweek to achieve a better work-life balance and address issues of overwork-related health problems. Tech giant Microsoft reported a 40% productivity boost during a three-day weekend experiment.
In New Zealand, Unilever is conducting a year-long trial with 81 employees on a four-day workweek at full pay, aiming to measure performance based on output rather than time.
Interest in the four-day workweek is strong in the US, with 92% of workers supporting the concept, and in Canada, where 41% of employers are considering alternative work schedules. Overall, the global movement towards a four-day workweek is gaining momentum, but widespread government adoption remains uncertain.