Outlook Business Desk
Japan begins a 4-day workweek in 2025 to improve work-life balance, following the 100-80-100 model. Other countries like Belgium, Germany, Iceland, and Denmark are also adopting shorter work weeks, promoting productivity and well-being. Explore how this global shift is changing the future of work.
The 4-day workweek follows the "100-80-100" method: employees work 80% of the time and receive 100% pay with an aim to keep the productivity at 100%. This model promotes better work-life balance and efficiency.
Japan's policy aims to balance work and family life, especially for women. With a fertility rate of 1.2, Japan hopes the new 4-day workweek will help address its declining population.
In 2022, Belgium passed a law allowing employees to compress their 40-hour workweek into four days. This initiative includes a "right to disconnect," protecting workers' personal time.
Germany's 2023-24 trial involving 41 companies proved that working fewer hours led to higher employee satisfaction and productivity
Iceland's attempt to reduce working hours between 2015-2019 led to a permanent shift to shorter work hours for public employees. With a 4.1% GDP growth, the country demonstrated that fewer hours could boost productivity and well-being.
While not officially a 4-day workweek, Denmark’s 37-hour average workweek and five weeks of paid vacation reflect its commitment to work-life harmony, increasing happiness and productivity.