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In an era where burnout is said to be rampant and work-life balance feels like a myth, the 4-day working week is no longer a pipe dream. It’s a policy experiment sweeping Europe. From the UK’s civil service to Iceland’s nationwide rollout to fresh pilots in Germany and Spain, countries are testing the “100-80-100” model: 100 per cent pay for 80 per cent hours, with the idea of 100 per cent productivity. But do we really need this shift? Should people be that averse to working their jobs? The jury is still out as global trials are wrapping up, and the results are a mixed bag. Is the 4-day working week going to happen, or is it just a fad? Europe’s four-day workweek revolution: A 2025 snapshot Europe is leading on four-day workweek trials, building on post-pandemic demands for flexibility. Iceland, for example, the pioneer, now has 86 per cent of its workforce on reduced hours since the 2019 pilots and manages to cover 35 to 36 hours weekly without pay cuts. Belgium became the first EU nation to legislate it in 2022 and allowed employees to compress 38 hours into four days. Germany began a six-month trial in February 2024 with 45 organisations and then expanded into 2025 with a new flexible work bill which allows employees the right to request it. Spain’s €50 million EU-funded national pilot, which will run through 2027, targets 200 firms for 32-hour weeks, following Valencia’s 2023 success where workers got “four Mondays off” via holiday modifications. The UK, while not in the EU, saw 11 per cent of its workforce (2.7 million) on four-day schedules by October 2025, up from a 2022 trial where 92 per cent of companies who tried it kept it. But, does cutting the workweek truly deliver? The Pros: Why Europe’s trials are winning hearts Early data paints a rosy picture, with trials consistently showing wellbeing increases and productivity staying more or less the same. In Germany’s 2024-2025 pilot, participants slept 38 minutes more per week, exercised 25 minutes extra, and reduced stress by nearly 90 minutes, according to health trackers. “Investments in ‘new work’ pay off because they increase well-being and motivation, subsequently increasing efficiency,” says Sören Fricke, cofounder of trial participant Solidsense. As for productivity, it has been reported as remaining more or less stable or better. Iceland’s economy grew 5 per cent in 2023 (Europe’s second-highest rise), with unemployment at just 3 per cent, all with less stress for workers. Spain’s pilots cut stress and benefit families and kids’ routines. The UK’s 2022 trial saw revenue rise 1.4 per cent on average, with 39 per cent less stress. Globally coordinated pilots via the 4 Day Week Global report a 92 per cent job retention and fewer sick days. The Cons: Hidden hurdles in Europe’s shorter workweek push Not all smooth sailing. Critics argue four-day weeks exacerbate worker shortages in an ageing Europe, where Germany’s demographic is already feeling the pinch in some sectors. “Working fewer hours won’t alleviate that,” warns senior economist Maximilian Schäfer, explaining pilots’ voluntary participation skews the results. Steffen Kampeter, CEO of Germany’s BDA, calls it “a significant wage increase most companies cannot afford.” Sweden’s trials came back with mixed results; for example, a nurse pilot required 17 extra staff for six-hour days. The UK’s Asda ditched a compressed 44-hour trial in 2024, and in other sectors, four longer days led to exhaustion. UK councils faced a massive backlash in October 2025, with ministers calling for the scrapping of trials as “wasteful”. Speaking on a TV interview, Charlie Mullins expressed how he couldn’t see how 5 days work could be completed in 4, and that the UK already suffered a shortage of essential service. On X, sceptics echo: “South Cambridgeshire Council… salaries paid largely by those working 5 days,” tweets @ZiaYusufUK. Long-term? Only 85 per cent in Germany’s trial achieved full days off; 27 per cent of firms were undecided. Do we really need it? The verdict from Europe’s frontlines Europe’s 2025 trials suggest yes, for many. With 90 per cent employee satisfaction and AI helping with output (5 to 25 per cent gains in tech roles), it’s a win for staff retention. Benjamin Laker of Henley Business School says, “Work-life balance improved… satisfaction with financial stability and relationships increased.” As the UK debates a four-day bill, Spain is looking at bringing in the concept to the public service. Frequently asked questions Does the four-day workweek cut pay? No. In most European trials, it’s full pay for reduced hours, focusing on efficiency. Which EU country has the most success? Iceland, with 86 per cent coverage and 5 per cent GDP growth. Can it work in manufacturing? Challenging; pilots show 73 per cent retention but need tech and hiring boosts. What’s next for 2026? Expansions in Portugal and the UK; EU-wide policy talks. Could the 4-day working week be the future for Europe, or will it stall the economies of the EU zone and highlight inefficiencies already plaguing the system? It seems we will know shortly.
