Four-day workweek

5 facts about the four-day workweek
One of the main motivations for introducing a four-day workweek is to improve the work-life balance of employees.
The four-day workweek is already being tested in many countries and industries with promising results.
In most models, employees are paid the same salary even though they work fewer hours, based on the assumption that productivity per hour increases.
Whether a four-day workweek can be implemented varies greatly between different sectors. While it is easier to introduce in white collar jobs, it can be difficult in blue collar jobs.
In some cases, there are legal regulations that allow employees to apply for a four-day workweek, such as in Belgium or Iceland.

What is the purpose of the four-day workweek?

The four-day workweek arrangement is intended to create an additional day off per week, either by reducing the number of hours or by redistributing them. The concept aims to create a better work-life balance for employees, reduce stress and increase productivity. It can also lower the environmental impact caused by commuting and office maintenance. However, many employers are concerned that less work will get done or that the quality will suffer as a result of the model. Overall, the success of the four-day workweek depends heavily on the industry, the work culture and the specific needs and expectations of employees and employers.

Different approaches to the implementation

Same working hours, fewer days: Here, the same number of hours are worked as in a five-day week, but these are condensed to four days instead. This means that the working days are longer, but there is also an extra day off.
Reduced working hours, same salary: In this model, the total working hours per week are reduced, e.g. from 40 to 35 hours, but the salary remains the same. The idea is that the same amount of work can be done in less time.
Reduced working hours, reduced salary: There are also models in which the hours are reduced but the salary is adjusted accordingly.

Where is the four-day workweek already being tested or used?

From 2015 to 2019, Iceland conducted the world’s largest pilot study with around 2,500 participants. They worked only 35 to 36 hours instead of 40 but received the same salary. The project was so successful that since 2021, Iceland has the right to a 36-hour week with full pay. As a result, 90% of employees have since reduced their working hours or made other adjustments to their workweek.

In 2022, 61 companies in the UK took part in a pilot project to test the four-day workweek. The study found that employees were more motivated, arrived more well rested and had fewer absences. Since then, 54 of the companies have adopted the model permanently.

In Belgium, the four-day workweek is legally anchored since November 2022. Employees can choose whether they would rather work four or five days a week. However, the number of hours remains the same. The goal is to make the Belgian labor market more flexible and improve work-life balance.

Model projects and pilot programs are also underway in other countries such as Germany, Spain, Portugal and Australia. In other words, the model is becoming increasingly popular around the world.

Advantages and disadvantages of the four-day workweek

Advantages:

Better work-life balance: Employees are less stressed and can better balance their personal life with their jobs.
Higher productivity: Productivity increases as employees arrive at work more well rested. Meetings and breaks can also be reduced to promote focus and concentration.
Environmental benefits: Less commuting is required, and energy consumption in offices can be reduced.
Attractiveness as an employer: Since the Covid-19 pandemic, flexible working hours have been particularly appreciated. A good work-life balance is also becoming increasingly important to young people.

Disadvantages:

Potential loss of productivity: Fewer working hours may mean that the same amount of work can no longer be completed, resulting in a drop in productivity.
Irregular workload: The compression of working hours can increase the workload per day and thus promote stress.
Challenges in customer service: In industries where a continuous customer service is required, the four-day workweek can lead to bottlenecks or a lower quality of service.
Difficult to implement in certain sectors: In professions that rely on constant presence, such as healthcare, retail or manufacturing, implementing a four-day workweek can be organizationally complex and expensive.

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