The Benefits of a 4 Day Work Week

The Benefits of a 4 Day Work Week

A 4-day work week has been tested in several countries and companies, and many report positive outcomes. Here are some of the main benefits:

For Employees:

• Improved work–life balance → More time for family, hobbies, rest, and personal commitments.
• Better mental health → Reduced stress and burnout with more recovery time.
• Increased productivity → People often focus better and waste less time when working fewer hours.
• Greater job satisfaction → Feeling trusted and valued can boost morale and loyalty.

For Employers:

• Higher productivity → Research shows employees can accomplish the same (or more) in fewer hours.
• Lower turnover and absenteeism → Workers are more engaged and less likely to call out sick or quit.
• Stronger recruitment tool → Attracts top talent, especially younger workers seeking flexibility.
• Cost savings → Potential reductions in overhead costs (utilities, office space, etc.).

For Society:

• Environmental benefits → Fewer commutes mean less traffic and lower carbon emissions.
• Healthier communities → With more free time, people may exercise more, volunteer, or pursue education.
• Stronger families → Parents gain more time to spend with children or care for loved ones.

Some companies run it as 4 days, 32 hours, while others compress 40 hours into 4 days. The biggest gains seem to come from the true shorter work week (32 hours), rather than simply squeezing hours into fewer days.