Countries Leading the 4-Day Work Week Movement

Japan

Starting in April 2025, Tokyo will introduce a four-day workweek for government employees. Announced in December 2024, the initiative aims to address declining fertility rates, which stood at 1.2 in 2023, and combat karoshi—death by overwork. The program also seeks to improve gender balance in the workforce, as 55% of women participate in the labor market compared to 72% of men. Employees will be encouraged to take three days off, while parents will have greater flexibility to leave work early, promoting a healthier work-life balance.

Belgium

In 2022, Belgium became the first European nation to legislate a four-day work week as part of its Labor Deal, hailed as the “crown jewel” of its post-pandemic recovery strategy. Employees must still complete 40 hours per week, but they have the option to compress their schedules into four days. The policy also includes a “right to disconnect” provision, allowing workers in companies with more than 20 employees to ignore after-hours communication, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.

Germany

Germany’s six-month pilot program (2023-2024) involved 41 companies, with 73% of them expressing interest in continuing the model. Already known for its efficient work culture, Germany has one of the shortest average work weeks globally, at 34 hours, making it well-positioned for broader adoption of the four-day structure.

Iceland

Between 2015 and 2019, Iceland conducted groundbreaking trials in which public sector employees reduced their weekly hours from 40 to 35-36 without pay cuts. By 2022, over 51% of the workforce had transitioned to a four-day workweek, with notable improvements in well-being and productivity. The policy has not hindered Iceland’s economy, which remains one of Europe’s strongest, with a steady 4.1% annual GDP growth rate.

Denmark

Although Denmark has not officially adopted a four-day work week, it already has one of the world’s shortest legal work weeks, averaging 37 hours. This aligns with the country’s cultural emphasis on hygge—a lifestyle centered on comfort and well-being. Additionally, the Danish Holiday Act (2020) grants workers up to five weeks of paid vacation annually, reinforcing its commitment to work-life balance.

Australia

In August 2022, 26 Australian companies launched a pilot program for a four-day workweek. Although still in its early stages, the initiative reflects Australia’s increasing focus on reshaping conventional work structures to enhance othe verall quality of life.

Spain

Spain has been testing variations of the four-day work week, with Valencia’s 2023 pilot offering four consecutive Mondays off by aligning with public holidays. Additionally, the Spanish government introduced a €50 million, three-year trial to encourage companies to transition to this model. While a nationwide shift remains uncertain, some Spanish businesses have already adopted shorter workweeks.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

In January 2022, the city of Sharjah became the first emirate to implement a four-day workweek for government employees. Although not yet a nationwide policy, the initiative has sparked discussions about a broader rollout. The shorter workweek has reportedly boosted employee satisfaction and strengthened family life, making it a notable example in the Gulf region.

Netherlands

The Netherlands stands out as the country with the world’s shortest average work week—29 hours. Dutch citizens have a legal right to request part-time work, and employers must comply unless they can present a “substantial business reason” against it. This flexibility has positioned the Netherlands as a global leader in work-life balance.

United Kingdom (UK)

The UK conducted the largest four-day workweek trial in 2022, involving over 60 businesses and nearly 3,000 employees. The model maintained full salaries for 80% of the usual working hours, and its overwhelming success led many companies to permanently adopt the shorter schedule. The trial proved effective across various industries, from tech firms to small businesses, reinforcing the feasibility of this model.

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