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70 4-Day Work Week Statistics for 2025

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Anastasia Belyh

Last Update

Feb 13, 2025

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The 4-day work week is gaining momentum as businesses and governments worldwide explore its potential to boost productivity and employee well-being. This article dives into the latest 4-day work week statistics for 2025, examining its impact on organizations, employees, and economies.

Global Adoption of the 4-Day Work Week

The 4-day work week is expanding globally as more organizations test and implement reduced work schedules.

  1. 27% of companies globally have adopted or are trialing a 4-day work week. Organizations in industries like tech, marketing, and healthcare are leading the charge. (Statista)
  2. 85% of workers in 4-day work week trials want to continue with the schedule. Employees report higher satisfaction and work-life balance. (4 Day Week Global)
  3. The UK’s largest 4-day work week pilot found 92% of participating companies continued the model. Reduced hours led to increased productivity and happier employees. (BBC)
  4. Japan saw a 40% rise in productivity during Microsoft’s 4-day work week experiment. The country continues to promote work-life balance reforms. (Microsoft Japan)
  5. Iceland’s 4-day work week trials were declared an “overwhelming success.” 86% of Icelandic workers now have the option to work reduced hours. (Autonomy)

Productivity and Performance in a 4-Day Work Week

Reduced work hours have proven to increase productivity and efficiency for many organizations.

  1. Productivity increases by an average of 25% during a 4-day work week. Employees focus on higher-value tasks and minimize distractions. (4 Day Week Global)
  2. 63% of businesses report better work quality with a 4-day work week. Employees are more engaged and produce higher-quality output. (Harvard Business Review)
  3. Shorter work weeks reduce absenteeism by 62%. Employees take fewer sick days, citing improved mental health and energy levels. (Forbes)
  4. Companies with a 4-day work week see a 20% increase in employee focus. Workers are more efficient with their time, knowing they have a shorter week. (Autonomy)
  5. 58% of managers say reduced hours make employees more innovative. Employees have more energy and focus to develop creative solutions. (Statista)

Employee Satisfaction and Well-Being

A 4-day work week significantly improves employee happiness, mental health, and work-life balance.

  1. 78% of employees say a 4-day work week improves their work-life balance. Employees have more time for family, hobbies, and rest. (Gallup)
  2. Mental health improves for 70% of employees in 4-day work week trials. Workers report lower stress levels and better emotional well-being. (University of Cambridge)
  3. 40% of employees experience better physical health with a 4-day week. Reduced hours allow for more exercise, sleep, and healthier habits. (Forbes)
  4. 32% of workers say they are less likely to quit jobs with a 4-day work week. The schedule is seen as a key factor in retention and employee loyalty. (SHRM)
  5. 76% of employees report higher job satisfaction with a 4-day schedule. Workers feel valued and appreciated for having more personal time. (Hootsuite)

Business Outcomes of a 4-Day Work Week

Organizations implementing a 4-day work week see positive outcomes beyond employee well-being.

  1. Revenue increased by 8% for businesses in 4-day work week trials. Higher productivity and happier employees contributed to better financial performance. (4 Day Week Global)
  2. Turnover rates dropped by 15% in companies with reduced work weeks. Employees are more likely to stay with organizations that prioritize work-life balance. (Forbes)
  3. Customer satisfaction scores improved by 11% during 4-day work week experiments. Employees delivered better service with more energy and focus. (Harvard Business Review)
  4. Operating costs decreased by 18% for companies adopting a 4-day week. Reduced utility bills, fewer sick days, and higher efficiency contributed to savings. (Statista)
  5. 68% of business leaders view the 4-day work week as a competitive advantage. Companies attract top talent by offering a reduced work schedule. (LinkedIn)

Environmental Benefits of a 4-Day Work Week

Shorter work weeks also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing commuting and energy consumption.

  1. Commuting time drops by 20% with a 4-day work week. Fewer days in the office lead to reduced traffic and emissions. (Autonomy)
  2. Carbon emissions decrease by 15% with fewer commuting days. This reduction aligns with sustainability goals for many organizations. (Environmental Research Letters)
  3. Energy consumption drops by 25% in offices during 4-day work week trials. Fewer workdays result in reduced heating, cooling, and lighting needs. (Global Workplace Analytics)
  4. Countries adopting a 4-day work week could see a 10% decrease in national carbon footprints. Policies promoting reduced hours contribute to climate goals. (University of Reading)
  5. Public transit use drops by 18% on Fridays during 4-day work week trials. This reduces strain on infrastructure and transportation networks. (BBC)

Challenges and Barriers to Adoption

Despite its benefits, the 4-day work week comes with challenges for organizations and employees.

  1. 37% of managers worry about meeting client expectations in a 4-day work week. Ensuring consistent availability is a concern for customer-facing industries. (SHRM)
  2. 29% of employees struggle with increased workload in a 4-day schedule. Compressing five days of work into four can lead to initial adjustment challenges. (Harvard Business Review)
  3. 47% of businesses cite industry-specific demands as a barrier. Fields like healthcare and retail require coverage across all days of the week. (Statista)
  4. 23% of companies report difficulty coordinating schedules. Aligning meeting times and team availability requires better planning. (Forbes)
  5. Training employees to maximize productivity in four days takes 3-6 months. Transitioning to the new model requires investment in skill-building and time management. (LinkedIn)

Country-Specific 4-Day Work Week Statistics

Different countries are leading the way in 4-day work week trials and adoption.

  1. Iceland: 86% of workers now have the option to work fewer hours. Successful trials prompted widespread adoption in public and private sectors. (Autonomy)
  2. Japan: Microsoft’s 4-day work week trial boosted productivity by 40%. The government continues to promote reduced hours to combat overwork. (Microsoft Japan)
  3. Spain launched a €50 million 4-day work week trial. The program incentivizes companies to explore shorter schedules. (Euronews)
  4. New Zealand companies report a 20% revenue increase after adopting a 4-day week. The model is becoming increasingly popular in the private sector. (Guardian)
  5. The UK: 92% of companies in trials continued with reduced schedules. The success of the pilot programs is influencing national policies. (BBC)

4-Day Work Week by Industry

Some industries are more suited to adopting the 4-day work week than others.

  1. Tech companies lead with 30% adoption of 4-day work weeks. Flexible schedules and remote work integration make this transition easier. (Statista)
  2. Marketing and creative industries report 25% adoption rates. Project-based workflows allow teams to adjust to reduced schedules. (Hootsuite)
  3. Healthcare adoption is lower, at 10%, due to 24/7 demands. Staffing challenges make implementing shorter weeks more complex. (Forbes)
  4. Education trials show mixed results, with 15% of schools experimenting with 4-day weeks. Reduced days improve teacher well-being but present challenges for parents. (Pew Research Center)
  5. Retail sees slower adoption, at 8%. Businesses struggle with ensuring coverage during peak hours. (SHRM)
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Author

Anastasia Belyh

Anastasia Belyh is a senior tech writer with over 15 years of experience in marketing, sales, and business software. Having worked in investment banking, management consulting, and founded multiple companies, her in-depth knowledge and hands-on expertise make her software reviews authoritative, trustworthy, and highly practical for business decision-makers.