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As various nations experiment with reduced working hours, some regions like Tokyo and Valencia, Spain, continue to explore wider implementation of the 4-day work week following the conclusion of pilot programs in several countries. Meanwhile, Belgium and the UAE have established laws to integrate this model for certain government employees.
This shift toward a more balanced work-life structure reflects a growing recognition of the need for change in how work is structured across the globe. The driving force behind this initiative is 4 Day Week Global, which initiated its campaign in Germany in late 2023. They advocate for a ‘100-80-100’ framework—employers would provide 100% pay for 80% of the working hours, while maintaining 100% productivity. The concept has gained traction, particularly in Spain, the UK, and Portugal, highlighting a rising demand for improved work-life balance. Countries such as Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Australia have also shown high happiness index rankings, suggesting a clear link between reduced work hours and enhanced well-being.
Though the idea of a 4-day work week might appear novel today, it has roots that trace back several years. Iceland was among the pioneers, undertaking trials from 2015 onward, while the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of reducing work hours. Aiming to alleviate burnout and increase productivity, here’s how ten countries are shaping the future of work:
Japan
In a significant move, Tokyo plans to implement a 4-day work week for government workers starting in April 2025, with an announcement made in December 2024. This initiative not only seeks to tackle the country’s persistently low fertility rates—recorded at 1.2 in 2023—but also aims to prevent “karoshi,” or death from overwork. Additionally, it looks to mitigate gender disparities in the workforce, where female participation lags at 55% in comparison to 72% for males. Workers will be encouraged to take a total of three days off, and parents will be given the flexibility to leave work earlier, promoting a more accommodating work-life balance.
Belgium
Belgium emerged as the first European nation to legislate a 4-day work week in 2022, introduced under the Labor Deal regarded as a vital component of post-pandemic recovery. While employees are still required to fulfill a total of 40 hours weekly, they can now condense those hours into four working days. Additionally, a “right to disconnect” provision was established, allowing employees at companies with over 20 staff members to disengage from work communications outside of office hours, thereby reducing stress and improving job satisfaction.
Germany
Germany’s extensive six-month pilot program conducted in 2023-2024 involved 41 companies testing the 4-day work week, resulting in promising outcomes—73% of these organizations are inclined to continue this model. Renowned for its productive work culture, Germany already has one of the shortest average work weeks globally, at just 34 hours, positioning it well for broader acceptance of this work structure.
Iceland
Iceland has set a benchmark with its trials between 2015 and 2019, where public sector employees successfully reduced their weekly hours from 40 to 35-36 without experiencing a pay decrease. By 2022, more than half of the nation’s workforce had shifted to a 4-day work week, realizing considerable enhancements in both employee well-being and productivity. Contrary to fears that this shift might harm the economy, Iceland has sustained remarkable economic performance, showing a consistent annual GDP growth rate of 4.1%.
Denmark
Though Denmark has not officially implemented a 4-day work week, it offers one of the shortest standard work weeks globally, averaging just 37 hours. This aligns with the country’s cultural commitment to hygge, or the pursuit of cosiness and well-being, effectively fostering a healthy work-life equilibrium. Furthermore, the Danish Holiday Act, effective from September 2020, allows employees to enjoy up to five weeks of “concurrent holidays” each year, further enhancing the well-being of the workforce.
Source
www.cntraveler.com