The Rise of the Four-Day Work Week
In 2025, a global movement toward reduced working hours is gaining unprecedented momentum as countries worldwide experiment with four-day work weeks to address pressing issues like employee burnout, work-life balance, and demographic challenges. From Japan to Portugal, governments and organizations are implementing innovative work models that promise to reshape the future of employment.
Japan's Revolutionary Approach
Japan's Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched a groundbreaking four-day work week initiative in April 2025, implementing the 100:80:100 model where employees work 80% of hours for 100% pay while maintaining full productivity. This initiative specifically targets support for women's careers amid Japan's ongoing fertility crisis, with the country reporting its ninth consecutive year of declining birth rates. 'We need to create working conditions that allow people to have both careers and families,' says Tokyo government spokesperson Akiko Tanaka.
Portugal's Comprehensive Trial
Portugal has partnered with 4 Day Week Global to pilot reduced-hour work models across 41 companies, with the Azores Autonomous Region conducting a government-backed trial. Early results show significant reductions in employee burnout and improved work-life balance. 'The response from both employers and employees has been overwhelmingly positive,' notes Maria Silva, a researcher monitoring the Portuguese trials.
United Arab Emirates' Flexible Initiative
The UAE is running a public-sector pilot in Dubai through its Our Flexible Summer initiative, testing different reduced-hour schedules. This represents a significant shift in the Middle Eastern work culture traditionally known for long working hours.
Global Research and Results
A comprehensive study published in Nature Human Behaviour examined the effects of a 4-day workweek intervention with no pay reduction on workers' well-being. The research involved 2,896 employees across 141 organizations in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA, with a 6-month trial period. Results showed significant improvements in multiple well-being metrics including reduced burnout, increased job satisfaction, and better mental and physical health.
Productivity Paradox
Contrary to traditional business concerns, research led by economist Juliet Schor found that companies maintained or increased productivity while reducing employee turnover to nearly zero. 'The most surprising finding has been how consistently productivity holds up or even improves,' Schor explains. 'When you give people back their time, they become more focused and efficient during working hours.'
Benefits Beyond the Workplace
The advantages extend far beyond office walls. Studies show that reduced working hours lead to better family relationships, improved mental health, and even environmental benefits through reduced commuting. Research involving 245 organizations and over 8,700 employees across multiple countries reveals that employees reported higher work-life balance, less burnout and stress, and improved mental and physical health.
Challenges and Adaptations
While the movement gains traction, challenges remain for industries requiring continuous operations like healthcare and hospitality. Some companies are experimenting with staggered schedules and hybrid models to maintain coverage while reducing individual hours. 'The key is flexibility and adaptation to different industry needs,' says workplace consultant David Chen.
The Future of Work
As of 2025, 22 countries are actively testing or implementing four-day work weeks through pilot programs and government initiatives. The success of these experiments suggests that the traditional five-day work week may soon become a relic of the past. With AI advancements potentially accelerating the transition by boosting productivity, the movement toward shorter workweeks continues to gain momentum as a solution for improving employee wellbeing and organizational performance.