For many years, the idea of a four-day workweek was considered a utopia—something discussed only in progressive circles and dreamt of by most workers. At first glance, reducing the workweek by one day may seem like an extreme pro-worker measure. However, recent studies show that fewer workdays do not necessarily lead to lower productivity. On the contrary, this shift often enhances work-life balance and offers a new model for the 21st-century economy.

The First Experiments

Iceland was the first country to experiment with the concept. Between 2015 and 2019, two large-scale trials covered around 1.3% of the national workforce in public sector jobs. Employees reduced their weekly hours from 40 to 35 or 36 without any salary cuts. The results were clear: workers reported improved well-being, reduced stress and burnout, while productivity remained stable—or even increased. For instance, Reykjavik’s Accounting Department saw a 6.5% increase in processed invoices, and the city’s police records office cut application processing time from six days to just two. Following these trials, 86% of workers gained the right to negotiate shorter hours.

Japan followed, despite its long tradition of overwork. In August 2019, Microsoft Japan launched the “Work Life Choice Challenge Summer 2019,” closing offices every Friday while paying full wages. The results were striking: productivity rose nearly 40% compared to the previous August, electricity consumption dropped by 23%, and paper printing decreased by 59%.

In the UK, the largest four-day workweek pilot ran from June to December 2022. It involved 61 companies and about 2,900 employees. After the trial, 92% of participating firms kept the model, and half of them made it permanent. Revenue grew on average by 1.4% (some firms reported up to 34%), while employee turnover fell by 57%.

Spain also tested the idea. In Valencia, the local government aligned four consecutive Mondays with public holidays in 2023, affecting 360,000 workers. Results were mixed: tourism revenues increased, retail sales declined, and alcohol consumption rose significantly. Yet, employees reported being happier, especially with more time spent with their children. Meanwhile, Spain’s central government allocated €10 million to help companies reduce weekly hours by at least half a day without pay cuts, aiming to boost productivity through training programs lasting two years.

The Netherlands stands out as Europe’s most progressive case. More than 50% of women and nearly 20% of men work fewer than 30 hours per week, with the national average at 32.1 hours—the lowest in the EU. While a nationwide four-day week isn’t standard, many Amsterdam-based companies, including &samhoud and Hey Honey, have implemented it.

Portugal also joined, with a government-backed trial across 41 companies in partnership with 4 Day Week Global and Henley Business School. Employees reduced working time by 13.7%, some adopting a four-day week and others a nine-day fortnight. Only four companies reverted to the five-day schedule afterward.

Strong Opposition Remains

Despite encouraging results, critics argue that the four-day model is more feasible in sectors like technology and office-based services, where productivity is project-driven. Industries such as healthcare, retail, and hospitality—where physical presence is crucial—face greater challenges. Small businesses, in particular, worry about adjustment costs and the need for extra hires, since store hours typically remain unchanged.

Still, the idea is gaining ground in diverse economies. Even in the United States, startups and companies like Kickstarter are experimenting with shorter weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, showing that remote work and flexibility can enhance efficiency and paving the way for deeper changes.

The discussion about the four-day workweek is not only about economics—it is also cultural. It raises the question of what defines a “good life” in today’s world. With smartphones blurring the lines between home and office, “work-life balance” takes on new meaning. An extra day for family, hobbies, or rest may prove more valuable to society than ever, especially since early data suggests economic performance remains steady—or even improves.