Will Four-Day Workweeks Be The New Trend?
The idea of a four-day workweek has been a hot topic in recent years, with various companies experimenting with the concept and some countries even considering national policies. What do trends look like in the United States right now, and can we expect to see the traditional five-day, 40-hour workweek go the way of the dinosaur?
While 5 days have been ingrained in society for decades, shifts in work culture, technology, and the understanding of work-life balance are leading many to rethink it all. But is a four-day week at our desks actually on the rise, and does it offer any substantial benefits? Let’s dive into some basic stats, trends, and the pros and cons of establishing a 4-day work week.
4-Day Work Week Trends in 2025
Is the four day workweek becoming a new trend after more people have become aware of the values of flexible work? Well, according to a recent survey by Survation, 58% of the public say three-day weekends will be ‘the normal way of working’ by 2030. But what are some statistics beyond public opinion? Here are some numbers that may signal a 4-day work week can be a real trend in the coming years.
1. Between 1973 and 2018, the four day work week has tripled for full-time workers.
2. In 2024, 22% of people surveyed by the APA indicated that their employer provided a 4-day workweek, up from 14% in 2022.
3. 80% of workers think they would be just as effective and happier with 4 days at work.
4. 94% of companies want to continue the 4-day workweek after a trial period (Source: 4-Day Workweek ongoing research)
5. Companies that use a 4-day work week found:
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- It is 84% easier to attract talent
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- a 32% decrease in employee resignations
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- 66% reduction in employee burnout
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- 25% increase of YOY revenue
- 54% increase in work ability
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6. 59% of US companies would consider implementing a 4-day workweek.
7. So far the 4-day workweek has reduced employee turnover by 57%.
8. Recent findings report a 40% productivity boost at companies with 4-day work weeks.
9. Companies with 4-day work weeks experience a 62% decrease in sick leave.
10. 93 % of senior leaders of businesses that leverage AI in daily operations are using a 4 day work week or are considering implementing one.
Types of Four Day Work Weeks
In the 4 day workweek universe, there are two distinct models: working four traditional 8 hour days, resulting in 32 hours per week, or compressing the traditional 40 hours into four 10-hour days. Each model has its own pros and cons.
8-Hour Days
In this model, employees work the same total number of hours they would in a traditional 5-day week but spread over just four days, with each day consisting of 8 hours. This approach focuses on offering employees an extra day off without longer days.
Studies, like those from the UK and the 4-Day Week Global Trial, show that this model boosts employee well-being, reduces stress, and increases job satisfaction while maintaining productivity. Employees appreciate the extended weekend, which helps improve work-life balance and candidate retention.
10-Hour Compressed Days
The compressed workweek involves employees working longer days, typically 10 hours or more, to meet the standard 40-hour workweek in just four days. This model is popular in certain industries like healthcare or public services. While it offers employees the same benefit of an extra day off, it can lead to fatigue or burnout if not managed well, especially if long days become too draining. However, it can also increase focus and efficiency for some workers, as the longer days give more consecutive hours to finish tasks.
Which one is better?
The 8-hour day model tends to maintain a more traditional work rhythm with the added benefit of more free time, which generally improves well-being. It’s more popular with employees who have to juggle childcare and can’t do extended days.
On the other hand, the compressed workweek can offer the same benefit of an extra day off but with the trade-off of longer, potentially more tiring workdays. Both models show promise in improving employee satisfaction and retention, but they depend on individual work styles and the nature of the job.
The Pros of a Four-Day Workweek
Improved Work-Life Balance: One of the most significant benefits of a four-day workweek is the potential improvement in work-life balance. Having an extra day off allows employees more time to rest, pursue hobbies, spend time with family and friends, or simply take care of personal errands and well-being. With mental health and burnout becoming widespread issues, an extra day of rest could be an effective way to recharge and prevent employee exhaustion.
Increased Productivity: While it might seem counterintuitive, studies suggest that reducing the number of days employees work could actually increase productivity. The 4-day workweek trials (such as those run by companies in Iceland and New Zealand) show that workers tend to be more focused and efficient during their shorter workdays. The reasoning is that employees are more motivated to finish tasks quickly, knowing they have less time to accomplish them.
Reduced Absenteeism and TurnoverWhen employees feel they have more control over their time and are given a better work-life balance, they’re more likely to stay with a company long-term. Additionally, absenteeism tends to drop because employees have more flexibility in managing their personal time. This reduction in turnover can save companies significant recruitment and training costs.
Environmental Benefits: With fewer days spent commuting to work, the environmental impact can be reduced. Fewer cars on the road mean lower carbon emissions, less traffic congestion, and less pollution. This makes the four-day workweek not just good for employees, but also for the planet.
Attracting Top Talent: In a competitive job market, offering a four-day workweek can serve as a strong incentive for attracting top talent. Workers are increasingly valuing flexibility and a healthier work-life balance over traditional compensation packages. For many employees, the promise of a shorter workweek can outweigh salary increases, especially if it means more time for personal pursuits.
The Cons of a Four-Day Workweek
Potentially Longer Days: In order to maintain the same level of productivity over fewer days, employees might be required to work longer hours each day. This could lead to increased stress or burnout during the four days themselves, especially if employees are expected to stretch out the same amount of work into fewer hours. Not all employees may be comfortable with this shift in work rhythm.
Challenges for Certain Industries: While office jobs, tech positions, and remote work setups may adapt well to a four-day workweek, industries like healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and customer service might face significant challenges. A four-day workweek could cause scheduling conflicts, create gaps in service, or require major logistical adjustments. In these industries, staffing becomes trickier, and clients or patients may feel that service quality or availability is compromised.
Potential for Unequal Implementation: Not all employees might benefit equally from a four-day workweek. Those in managerial positions or roles that involve a lot of coordination and communication might find it harder to complete their tasks within a shorter week. Additionally, some employees might struggle with the intensity of longer workdays and prefer a more traditional schedule.
Work Overload Risk: Without careful planning, there’s a risk that employees may end up cramming five days’ worth of work into four days, creating unnecessary stress and burnout. Overloading employees could defeat the purpose of the four-day workweek and negatively impact overall well-being and productivity. It’s important for employers to carefully evaluate workload distribution when implementing this model.
Customer Expectations: Businesses that rely heavily on customer-facing interactions might find a shorter workweek challenging if clients or customers expect availability throughout the week. While some businesses might adjust by extending their operating hours or shifting the workweek for different teams, it’s not always a feasible solution.
Is the Four-Day Workweek Sustainable?
The idea of a four-day workweek has shown promise in various trials, but its long-term sustainability depends on the industry, company culture, and how the transition is managed. For office-based roles, especially in tech and knowledge work, the four-day workweek seems to work well and is likely to become more common. However, in industries that require round-the-clock staffing or deal directly with the public, the shift may be more complicated.
Ultimately, a successful transition to a four-day workweek requires careful planning, clear communication, and a commitment to maintaining work standards without sacrificing employee well-being. Employers must be open to evaluating and adjusting workloads to ensure that employees are not just “working harder” during the four days but are truly benefiting from the improved work-life balance that the schedule is supposed to offer.
The Four Day Workweek: Is it on the Rise?
The four-day workweek, while not without its challenges, has the potential to improve productivity, reduce burnout, and provide a better work-life balance. As companies and governments experiment with this concept, we may see a growing movement toward more flexible work arrangements. The key will be finding a balanced approach that works for both employers and employees, while also considering the needs of customers and clients. If done right, the four-day workweek could be a win-win for all involved, and perhaps the future of work.
