For some time now, governments and companies alike have been rethinking the traditional five-day workweek in favor of something more flexible, sustainable, and human-focused.
As a result, the four-day workweek — once a fringe idea — is now a serious conversation in policy circles and boardrooms, backed by growing evidence that less time at work can actually mean more productivity, better wellbeing, and happier teams.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the countries that have already adopted a four-day week, as well as those currently testing it — and explain how your company can reap similar benefits through flexible hours.
What is a four day-day workweek?
While each country’s approach may vary, the four-day workweek is essentially about reducing the number of working days (typically from five to four) without cutting pay or productivity.
The most common model, often called the “100:80:100” approach, gives employees 100% of their pay for 80% of the time, in exchange for maintaining 100% of their output. While not always a literal four-day schedule, the principle is consistent with a focus on results, not hours spent at a desk.
For many, it’s a shift toward smarter, more intentional work that supports both business goals and employee wellbeing.
Countries with permanent or legislated four-day workweek policies
Some countries have already adopted the four-day workweek into legislation, as follows:
Belgium
In February 2022, Belgium introduced legislation allowing employees to condense their full 38-hour workweek into four days without losing pay. This reform was part of a broader labor market modernization effort, aimed at increasing flexibility and boosting productivity.
Employees can now opt for a compressed work schedule, although employers must approve the request. The reform aims to empower workers to achieve a better work-life balance, despite critics claiming that four consecutive 9.5-hour days may not suit everyone.
Belgium’s approach is also notable for legislating flexibility rather than reducing overall working hours.
Iceland has long been a champion of the four-day workweek, conducting one of the world’s largest and most influential trials between 2015 and 2019. The pilot — which included 2,500 public sector workers (over 1% of the country’s entire workforce) — reduced weekly working hours from 40 to 35 without reducing pay, with results showing improvements across productivity, job satisfaction, and wellbeing.
Following the trial, several of the country’s biggest unions renegotiated contracts, and now around 86% of Iceland’s workforce have either adopted shorter hours or gained the right to request them. As a result, Iceland is widely regarded as a model for sustainable workweek reform.
Lithuania
Since 2022, Lithuania has offered a shorter workweek to a specific segment of its public sector workforce.
Employees with children under the age of three are entitled to a 32-hour workweek without any reduction in salary, with the policy aiming to support working parents, reduce stress, and help balance family responsibilities.
While not a universal four-day workweek, the move reflects how reduced hours can be used as a targeted benefit to improve work-life balance in key demographics, and there are now ongoing discussions about expanding the policy to other groups.
Countries that have trialled (or are trialling) four-day workweeks
In some countries, private sector trials have been conducted or are ongoing, such as in:
The United Kingdom
The UK conducted one of the world’s largest four-day workweek trials in 2022, with over 60 companies and nearly 3,000 employees participating. The trial followed the 100:80:100 model, with results showing improved mental health, lower burnout, and stable (or even improved) company performance.
Nearly all participating firms continued with the new schedule after the trial, with many making it a permanent part of their company policy. The UK’s trial has been hailed as a benchmark for other nations, especially for its scale, and for the diversity of industries involved.
Devolved trials in Scotland and Wales
In early 2024, Scotland initiated a government trial for civil servants, allowing them to work a 32-hour week without a reduction in pay. Wales is also considering a similar trial following recommendations from its Senedd.
Germany began a six-month trial of the four-day workweek in February 2024, involving 45 companies in partnership with 4 Day Week Global. The program explored the viability of reducing hours without cutting salaries and preserving output, with initial responses suggesting better wellbeing and less stress for employees.
Given Germany's strong labor unions, well-established worker protections, and its influence within the European Union, the results of this trial may shape broader European policy discussions in the future.
Portugal’s government launched a pilot program in June 2023 to test the four-day workweek across 39 private sector companies (with government support). The trial — also based on the 100:80:100 model — aimed to analyze productivity, absenteeism, and employee satisfaction.
Preliminary results indicated that workers reported higher job satisfaction and lower stress, with many companies considering making the change permanent. As a result, Portugal is positioning itself as a leader in southern Europe for progressive labor experimentation.
Spain introduced a four-day workweek pilot program in late 2022, initially targeting small and medium-sized enterprises. The government provided subsidies to participating companies to reduce the financial risks of shifting to a shorter week, with a focus on improving work-life balance without sacrificing productivity.
While still in the experimental stage, the Spanish trial has shown promise and sparked debates in the country about how flexible working could revitalize labor markets in high-unemployment regions. The results may yet influence permanent policy changes in the coming years.
Japan’s government began pushing for optional four-day workweeks in 2021 as part of a broader plan to address issues such as overwork, mental health, and declining birth rates. As a result, Tokyo introduced a four-day schedule for public sector employees in 2025.
The aim is to promote gender equality by making it easier for men to take on domestic roles and to give families more time together. Japan’s notoriously long working hours have also been linked to serious health issues, and this reform represents a significant cultural shift — especially in the public sector.
Ireland ran a national pilot program from June to December 2022, coordinated by 4 Day Week Ireland. The trial involved businesses across sectors like technology, finance, and manufacturing and, like other programs, used the 100:80:100 model.
Early feedback revealed improvements in employee engagement, reduced sick days, and enhanced retention, while some firms saw an uptick in productivity. The Irish government expressed interest in the findings, and there are now calls to expand the trial or integrate shorter workweeks into broader policy discussions.
New Zealand has also been a pioneer in company-led four-day workweek initiatives for some time. In 2018, Perpetual Guardian trialled (and later adopted) the model permanently, citing increased productivity and better work-life balance. In 2020, then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern encouraged employers to consider the model to stimulate domestic tourism and boost mental health.
Unilever also conducted a year-long trial with its New Zealand arm, which was deemed a success. These initiatives have positioned New Zealand as a global example of how the private sector can lead the way in reimagining work.
Should your company implement a four-day workweek?
As you can see, many companies around the globe have trialled the four-day workweek to some success — but is it the right approach for your business?
This, of course, depends on your company’s internal culture and the nature of your industry. For instance, in some sectors, a four-day workweek may not be viable.
However, to see the benefits of this approach, you don’t necessarily need to consider cutting a day; if you enable your people to work flexible hours in an asynchronous culture, you can see the same benefits and more.
To learn more about flexible working as a benefit — and to see how it can boost your company’s productivity, and help you attract and retain top talent — check out our global benefits guide.
