Four-Day Work Week Gains Traction: Companies Report Higher Productivity
The five-day work week has been the norm for decades. Now a growing number of companies are testing something different: four days of work, same pay, same output. The results so far are surprising—and encouraging.
What the Trials Show
Companies that have run pilot programs report that productivity either stayed the same or improved. Employees get more done in four days because they’re fresher, less distracted, and more motivated. Meeting time drops, focus increases, and the extra day off gives people time to recover instead of burning out.
Two Models: Compressed vs. Reduced
There are two main approaches. In the compressed model, employees work longer days (e.g., four 10-hour days) to fit a full week into four days. In the reduced model, they work 32 hours instead of 40, with pay unchanged. The second model is what most pilots have tested—and it’s the one that tends to improve wellbeing without extending daily hours.
Benefits Beyond Productivity
Companies report lower turnover and easier recruitment. “Four-day week” is a strong perk in a tight labor market. Employees report less stress, better sleep, and more time for family, hobbies, and rest. For parents, an extra day without work can ease childcare pressure and reduce burnout.
Which Industries Are Trying It
So far, it’s been easier for office-based and knowledge-work companies. Tech, marketing, consulting, and professional services have led the way. Some nonprofits and public-sector bodies have joined too. Retail, healthcare, and manufacturing face more practical constraints, but experiments are starting there as well.
Challenges and Trade-offs
Not every role fits a four-day schedule. Customer-facing jobs may need coverage five days a week. Some companies have solved this with staggered schedules or part-time overlap. Others have found that with better planning, they can still serve customers well in four days.
There’s also the question of pressure. If the workload stays the same, does the four-day week just mean cramming five days into four? Successful pilots have typically involved cutting low-value meetings, simplifying processes, and setting clearer priorities—not just squeezing more into less time.
What It Means for You
If your employer is considering a trial, get involved in the design. Make sure expectations are realistic and that the extra day off is truly protected. If you’re looking for a new job, more companies may start offering four-day options as a differentiator. The trend is still early, but the early data suggests it’s here to stay.