Research into the four-day work week in Germany shows surprising results for workers and productivity

Main restaurants

• More than 90 percent of employees reported significant improvements in well-being, life satisfaction and work-life balance.
• The result remained stable or even improved despite reduced working hours, with an average gain of 38 minutes of extra sleep per week.
• About 70 percent of the organizations involved plan to continue the four-day work week.

A recent trial of a four-day work week in Germany yielded surprising results, with more than 90 percent of participating workers reporting significant improvements in well-being, life satisfaction and work-life balance. This extensive pilot program, which involved more than 45 organizations across industries, was implemented by 4 Day Week Global in collaboration with the University of Münster and the Intraprenör consultancy. This is one of the most extensive studies worldwide on the effects of a four-day work week.

Key benefits

Employees who participated in the study reported specific benefits such as lower stress levels, better overall health, and an average of 38 more minutes of sleep per week. Many participants also reported increased physical activity. Despite concerns that shorter working hours would have a negative impact on productivity, the results showed that output remained stable or even improved. This suggests that it is possible to maintain shorter working weeks or even increase efficiency in the workplace.

Implementation strategies

Dr. Dale Whelehan, CEO of 4 Day Week Global, pointed to Germany’s success as a potential model for other European countries. He emphasized that Germany’s initiative, as Europe’s largest economy, could pave the way for similar programs across the continent. The test showed flexible implementation strategies, with 60 percent of participating companies implementing the four-day work week for all of their employees and 40 percent implementing it side-by-side. inside special teams.

Future plans

Despite the over it positive results, some challenges were also identified, especially for large manufacturing companies. Two companies discontinued the model due to economic constraints. However, around 70 per cent of the participating organizations intend to continue with the four-day working week, showing that this model is becoming increasingly attractive as a sustainable approach to work.

Global movement

After the success in Germany, Sweden, France and Belgium are now going out for their own trials with the four-day working week in late 2024 and early 2025.

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