Translated with AI
Reducing the workweek to four days has a positive impact on employee health without reducing productivity. This is the conclusion reached by researchers at Boston College (USA). The results of their large-scale project were published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, reports the BBC.
Scientists studied the impact of the new work schedule on employees at 141 companies in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. During the experiment, the researchers tracked four indicators: burnout, job satisfaction, and physical and mental health.
"We found a significant improvement in employee well-being. Companies also reported increased productivity and revenue. As a result, 90% of participants decided to continue the four-day workweek after the pilot project," noted the study's lead author, Professor Wen Fan.
According to experts, a shorter workweek reduces absenteeism and sick leave, lowers overtime costs, and increases employee loyalty. For example, after implementing a four-day workweek, the Golden Police Department in Colorado, which employs approximately 250 people, saw an 80% reduction in overtime and a halving of the attrition rate.
Microsoft Japan's 2019 experiment also demonstrated increased efficiency: sales per employee increased by 40%. However, the company did not make this format permanent.
Researchers note that in a number of countries, long working hours are still considered the norm. In China, the "996" system (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week) is widespread, while in Japan, the culture of overtime is so strong that the term "karoshi"—death by overwork—is used. In these circumstances, the adoption of a shorter workweek is slower.
Nevertheless, positive examples are growing. In Iceland, nearly 90% of workers are already eligible for reduced working hours. Similar pilot projects are underway in Spain, France, South Africa, South Korea, and other countries.
Experts say the younger generation is becoming the main driver of change. According to global surveys conducted in 2025, for many workers, work-life balance is more important than salary.
"We're seeing growing resistance to the culture of burnout. Younger employees are placing new demands on employers and are increasingly choosing health and personal time over overwork," notes Professor Fan.
