Anna Hartz
What Happened When Thousands of People Started Working Less
Most people know the feeling of being worn out by the end of a long workweek. The weekend offers some rest, but Monday always comes too soon.
What if fewer workdays could actually make us healthier, happier, and more productive?
That question led researchers to carry out a large study. Nearly 3,000 employees from 141 companies in six countries took part, writes Digi24.
They worked one day less per week but received the same pay. The trial included companies in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K., Ireland, and the U.S.
Productivity Went Up
After six months, the results were clear. Workers who switched to a four-day week felt better. Many were less tired. Stress went down. Burnout dropped. Job satisfaction went up. People reported feeling mentally stronger and physically healthier.
The group that kept a regular five-day schedule didn’t show the same improvements.
Working less didn’t hurt productivity. In fact, it helped. People were more focused and confident. They got more sleep.
Companies made smarter use of time. Meetings were shorter. Teams worked more independently. That gave employees more control over their day. It also saved time for real work.
The effects lasted over a year in many places. Even when people returned to slightly longer hours, they still felt better overall. Physical activity and sleep stayed improved.
Not for Everyone
The four-day week didn’t help everyone the same way. Workers at large companies, women, parents, and minorities had a harder time cutting hours. Still, they showed gains in well-being.
Companies in Germany are also testing this model. A study from the University of Münster followed 45 companies for six months.
Results showed better life satisfaction and less stress. Surprisingly, sick leave didn’t change much.
In some places, the four-day week is already being used. Iceland has tested it in public offices. Belgium allows longer workdays over fewer days. The U.K. is running pilot programs too.
Experts say it’s not just about time off. It’s about rethinking how we work. When done right, less can really be more.
