Findings from Germany’s bold 4-day workweek experiment
Over 90% of employees reported that the 4-day week positively impacted their well-being, life satisfaction, and work-life balance, according to Germany's largest-ever trial of this work model. Conducted by 4 Day Week Global in partnership with the University of Münster and Intraprenör, the pilot involved over 45 organisations from various sectors, making it one of the most comprehensive studies on the 4-day week globally.
Participants experienced lower stress levels and improved well-being, with many gaining an average of 38 additional minutes of sleep each week and increased physical activity. Despite working fewer hours, productivity remained stable or improved, challenging conventional views on reduced working hours.
Dr. Dale Whelehan, CEO of 4 Day Week Global, noted that the trial’s findings contribute to a growing body of international research supporting reduced working hours. He stated, "As Europe’s largest economy, Germany sets the stage for other European countries to follow suit. If it works here, it can work across the continent."
The pilot also showed that the 4-day workweek can be implemented in various ways, with 60% of participating organisations applying it across their entire workforce and 40% implementing it for specific teams.
Despite working fewer hours, productivity remained stable or improved, attributed to optimised work processes and reduced distractions. This counters the common perception that shorter workweeks might hinder output.
With 70% of participating organisations planning to continue the 4-day workweek, it's clear that this model is gaining traction and is seen as a sustainable solution for the future of work.
While the results are overwhelmingly positive, the trial also highlighted some challenges, such as economic pressures that forced two large manufacturing companies to discontinue the 4-day workweek.
As a result of this success, several other European countries, including Sweden, France, and Belgium, have already planned trials for late 2024 and early 2025.