Countries with a 4 Day Work Week
Although no country has fully adopted a 4 day work week, many countries are experimenting with one or have a short average working week. Here is the list of these countries.
1. Australia
4 day work week pilotMore than 20 companies will take part in a 4 day work week trial
2. Austria
Short average workweek (36hrs)According to an OECD report, Austria has the 6th shortest average workweek in the world (35.5hrs)
3. Belgium
Right to work 4 days (compressed)Workers in Belgium now have the right to switch to a four-day week. However, the 4 day week is typically 4x10 hour days.
4. Canada
Large 4 day week pilotDozens of companies in Canada are experimenting with a 4 day work week as part of the 4 Day Week Global pilot.
5. Denmark
Short average workweek (33hrs)According to an OECD report, Denmark has the 2nd shortest average workweek in the world (33hrs)
In addition to having one of the shortest work weeks in the world (34hrs), the largest trade union in Germany is campaigning for a 4 day work week.
7. Iceland
Public sector have a 4 day work weekThe largest pilot of a 4 day work week (35-36hrs) took place in Iceland with 2.5k people taking part in the study.
8. Ireland
Large 4 day week pilotSeventeen Irish businesses are trialing a 4 day work week for 6 months between June & December 2022
The Japanese government released their annual economic policy in 2021 which recommended that companies let staff work 4 days per week, instead of the usual 5.
10. Netherlands
Short average workweek (29hrs)In the Netherlands, citizens now have the right to go part time in their job unless there is "substantial business reason" justifying why they cannot. As a result workers in the Netherlands have the shortest average working week in the world (29hrs)
11. Norway
Short average workweek (34hrs)According to an OECD report, Norway has the 3rd shortest average working week in the world (33.6hrs).
12. Scotland
Government 4 day week pilotThe Scottish Government has pledged £10 million to help private companies pilot a 4 day work week.
13. South Africa
Large 4 day week pilotStarting in 2023, various companies in South Africa will be piloting a 4 day week with no loss in pay
14. Spain
Government 4 day week pilotThe Spanish government has proposed a €50m project to help companies trial a 4 day work week with minimal risk.
15. Switzerland
Short average workweek (35hrs)According to an OECD report, Switzerland has the 4th shortest average working week in the world (34.6hrs)
16. UK
Large 4 day week pilotOver 3,000 staff at 60 UK businesses are trialing a 4 day work week for 6 months between June & December 2022
17. USA
4 day work week pilotMore than 30 companies will take part in a 4 day week pilot
18. United Arab Emirates
Government and schools have a 4.5 day work weekThe UAE has shortened its workweek for all government employees, allowing staff to have a half day on a Friday.