The 4-day workweek is rapidly transforming the way companies and countries think about work. As more and more businesses experiment with shorter workweeks, evidence is mounting that working less can actually lead to working more effectively. Across the globe, countries and organizations that have adopted the 4-day workweek are reporting impressive results, while the traditional 5-day workweek is being scrutinized for its inefficiency and negative impact on worker well-being.
From increased productivity to improved employee satisfaction, the success stories surrounding the 4-day workweek are compelling. But not every country or company has made the transition smoothly, and the failure of the 5-day workweek model is becoming more apparent in the face of changing societal and economic needs.
Global Success Stories: The 4-Day Workweek in Action
Iceland: A Resounding Success
Perhaps the most significant success story of the 4-day workweek comes from Iceland, where one of the largest trials of reduced work hours took place between 2015 and 2019. Over 2,500 workers—approximately 1% of the country’s workforce—participated in this trial, working 35 to 36 hours across 4 days instead of 5. The results were overwhelmingly positive. Workers reported lower stress levels, improved work-life balance, and no decrease in productivity. Many found they were more focused and efficient, completing the same tasks in fewer hours.
In fact, the trial was such a success that the Icelandic government decided to expand the 4-day workweek model to the public sector. A large portion of the workforce has since adopted this new schedule, and it is viewed as a model for other nations to follow.
Japan: Breaking the Cycle of Overwork
Japan, a country notorious for its long working hours and “overwork culture,” has taken significant steps toward adopting the 4-day workweek. Companies like Microsoft Japan have led the charge. In August 2019, Microsoft Japan conducted a 4-day workweek experiment in which employees worked just 4 days and were given an extended weekend. The result? A 40% increase in productivity. Employees managed to complete the same amount of work in less time, thanks to reduced stress and a clearer focus during the shorter workweek.
The trial’s success prompted discussions within Japan’s government about adopting the 4-day workweek as part of efforts to tackle the country’s infamous workaholic culture and improve employee well-being. As more companies experiment with shorter workweeks, the 4-day model is gradually gaining favor in Japan’s corporate landscape.
New Zealand: A Major Corporate Test Case
Perpetual Guardian, a New Zealand-based company, ran a much-publicized trial of the 4-day workweek in 2018. The trial, which involved 240 employees, aimed to see if reducing work hours would increase productivity and employee happiness. The outcome was striking: employees reported increased job satisfaction, a better work-life balance, and higher levels of productivity. The company even found that employees were more engaged and innovative, thanks to the extra day off to recharge.
Following the success of this trial, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, publicly endorsed the 4-day workweek as a potential model for the country. Although it hasn’t been implemented nationwide, many businesses in New Zealand are now exploring shorter workweeks, as they see the tangible benefits in employee well-being and productivity.
United Kingdom: A Nationwide Pilot
In 2022, the UK launched its largest-ever 4-day workweek trial, involving over 70 companies and 3,300 workers. The trial aimed to assess whether reducing work hours would lead to higher productivity, less stress, and improved mental health. Early reports show that many companies participating in the trial found no drop in productivity and increased employee satisfaction. Employees loved the added time for personal commitments, family, or rest, and the companies saw benefits in terms of lower absenteeism and improved employee retention.
In fact, a number of companies in the UK have already committed to adopting the 4-day workweek long-term after seeing the positive impact on both productivity and employee happiness. The success of the trial has sparked interest in other countries, and many experts believe the UK could become a global leader in the 4-day workweek movement.
The Decline of the 5-Day Workweek
The 5-day workweek, which has been the norm for over a century in most developed countries, is being increasingly criticized for its negative impact on employees and businesses alike.
Burnout and Mental Health: Research shows that the traditional 5-day workweek contributes significantly to employee burnout. Studies conducted by organizations like Gallup and Harvard Business Review have found that employees working long hours over five days are at a higher risk of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. In industries like healthcare, tech, and finance, where employees often face high demands, the 5-day workweek can lead to mental and physical health issues.
The growing awareness of this has made the 4-day workweek increasingly attractive, as it provides employees with an extra day for rest and recovery. Shorter workweeks have been shown to reduce burnout, improve focus, and even enhance creativity, all of which are difficult to achieve under the rigid constraints of the 5-day model.
Declining Productivity in Some Industries: The 5-day workweek has also been shown to be inefficient in some industries. Companies have long adhered to the idea that more hours equate to more work, but evidence from countries that have tested shorter workweeks, such as Iceland and Japan, challenges this assumption. In fact, research has revealed that many workers are less productive on the fifth day due to mental fatigue and reduced engagement.
The 4-day workweek, on the other hand, encourages workers to be more focused and efficient, as they know they have a shorter window to complete tasks. The result is often more productive days, with workers able to complete the same amount of work in fewer hours.
Competition for Talent: The 5-day workweek is also becoming a liability in the competitive job market. As more companies around the world adopt the 4-day workweek, workers are beginning to expect this kind of flexibility. Businesses that stick to a traditional 5-day model may struggle to retain top talent, especially in industries like tech, marketing, and media, where creative employees value the flexibility and work-life balance that a 4-day workweek provides. Companies that fail to adapt to this shift risk losing out on skilled workers who prioritize well-being over salary.
The Future of the 4-Day Workweek
The success of the 4-day workweek in countries like Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, and the UK, alongside the growing evidence of the 5-day workweek’s limitations, suggests that the future of work may be increasingly focused on fewer hours and better efficiency. The 4-day workweek model is not only good for employees but also offers businesses the opportunity to increase productivity, reduce burnout, and attract top talent. While challenges remain—especially in sectors that are harder to adapt—many companies and governments are already moving away from the traditional 5-day structure, signaling a global shift toward a more balanced and efficient way of working.