What are the results of the 4-day work week around the world?
· Career Daily News
Attempts show that a 4-day week can increase productivity and satisfaction, but it is mainly applicable in flexible, high-tech, or administrative activities!
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The idea of a shorter work week is not new, but over the last decade it has moved from theory to real-world testing. Several countries and companies have conducted pilot programs – temporary experiments where working hours are reduced (usually to 4 working days, around 32–36 hours a week), while salaries remain the same. The goal is to measure the effects on productivity, satisfaction, and the economy before making a decision for a permanent change.
By country – when, in which sectors, results
| Country | Year/period | Sectors | Pros | Cons/barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | 2015–2019 | Public sector, municipalities, social services | Less stress, better work-life balance, productivity does not drop | Need for new shift distribution; not all departments can reduce hours |
| New Zealand (Perpetual Guardian) | 2018 | Financial services | +20% engagement, better health | Private experiment, not a national standard |
| Japan (Microsoft Japan) | 2019 | Technologies | +40% productivity, fewer meetings | Only a one-month test; no legislative change |
| United Kingdom | 2022–2023 | IT, marketing, manufacturing, NGOs | Average income +1.4%, sick leave -65%, happiness +39% | Harder for small firms and continuous production |
| Spain | 2022–2023 | Various private companies (voluntary) | Financial assistance from the state | Low interest, complex application conditions |
| USA/Canada/Ireland | 2022–2023 | Technologies, services, finance | Better health, less turnover, slightly increased income | Not all companies retain the model after the test |
Why do pilot programs rarely become permanent law?
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Voluntary nature – most trials are conducted by individual companies, not through national legislation.
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Sectoral limitations – healthcare, retail, transportation, and manufacturing require continuous service.
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Economic risks – employers fear costs for additional staff or loss of customers.
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Political will – for lasting change, tax and labor reforms are needed, which few governments undertake.
Even when the results are positive, there is often a lack of consensus or economic security to implement a 4-day week as a national norm.
Is there a country with an official 4-day week today?
There is no country where by law all workers have a 4-day work week.
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In Belgium since 2022, workers can distribute their 38-hour norm over 4 days (longer working days), but do not reduce total hours.
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In some companies in Iceland, the United Kingdom, the USA, and others, the model is permanent, but these are corporate decisions, not national policy.
What does this mean for Bulgaria
In our country, a 4-day week would have a chance mainly in IT, outsourcing, marketing, and administration, where work is project-based and can be automated. The pros would be higher motivation and attracting talent, but the risks for small firms and sectors with physical presence (retail, healthcare) are significant.
The most realistic path is voluntary corporate pilots, not rapid legislative change.
Experiments show that a 4-day week can increase productivity and satisfaction, but is mainly applicable in flexible, high-tech, or administrative activities. So far, the world sees more successful experiments than permanent national solutions – and this is a lesson for Bulgaria: before legislation, clear pilots, economic arguments, and support for business are needed.
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