Germany is testing a 4-day work week. 10 countries that are already doing it
In 2022, Belgium introduced 4-day work week for the employees who want it, but with a twist — maintaining a 40-hour week, same as that in five-day work week.
Belgium
The Netherlands boasts the world's shortest work weeks, averaging only 29 hours. Though The Netherlands has no official rules, the Dutch often work for only 4 days per week.
The Netherlands
Denmark, with a 33-hour average work week, values efficiency within a 4-day framework. Danes prioritise family time, discouraging extended hours and fostering a healthy work-life balance.
Denmark
Australia is also exploring this work culture, with 20 companies piloting a 4-day week.
Australia
Japan, known for its intense work culture, aims to combat overwork with a push for a 4-day work week. The government's strategy includes boosting the economy and encouraging work-life balance to prevent 'karoshi' or death by overwork.
Japan
Spain plans a 50 million Euro investment for a three-year 4-day work week trial involving approximately 200 companies.
Spain
In a significant 2022 trial, the UK embraced the 4-day work week with 61 companies and 300-plus employees. The results showed a remarkable 65 per cent drop in sick leave.
The United Kingdom
France famously enshrined a 35-hour workweek into law in 2000, which means that employees here work 4 days per week.
France
Lithuania doesn't have a blanket law enforcing a 4-day workweek, but it enacted legislation in 2021 that now allows parents with young children to work only 32 hours a week.
Lithuania
In the UAE, all government employees can choose to work a four-day workweek. This has been the case since 1 July, 2023.
UAE
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