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A comprehensive research project from Iceland has validated what many workers have long suspected: shorter work hours lead to greater happiness. While known as the “four-day work week,” the study actually reduced the total weekly hours by just four or five (from 40 to 35 or 36), and importantly, employees did not see any reduction in pay. Just think about it—what could you do with an extra hour each day? Maybe catch up on sleep? Sounds amazing!
Will Stronge, the director of research at Autonomy, the organization behind the study, remarked to CNBC that it was an “overwhelming success,” indicating that the public sector could lead the way in adopting shorter work weeks, offering valuable insights for other governments.
The trials started back in 2017, involving various workplaces, and more companies joined the initiative over the years. The study included traditional 9-5 workers as well as those with irregular hours. Ultimately, 1.3% of Iceland’s labor force participated in the “short work week” trial.
The results were striking: productivity levels remained the same or even improved, while employees reported enhanced well-being and a better work-life balance. Thank you, Icelandic researchers, but it’s pretty obvious that fewer hours with no pay cuts equals happier workers—right?
Despite the reduction in hours, workers didn’t try to make up for lost time; instead, they became more efficient. Companies responded by shortening meetings, eliminating unnecessary tasks, and optimizing shift schedules. Researchers noted, “The reward of reduced hours motivated people to organize their work more effectively—changes were made to meeting structures, schedules, and even opening hours.” Some teams opted to communicate via emails instead of holding meetings altogether.
Participants experienced a noticeable shift in work-life balance. One individual shared, “This [reduction in hours] reflects increased respect for us as individuals. We aren’t just machines working endlessly. We have personal lives, families, and hobbies.”
After the trials, many respondents reported feeling better, more energized, and less stressed, allowing them to engage in other activities like exercise, socializing, and hobbies—which in turn positively impacted their work.
By June 2021, many businesses began adopting shorter work weeks, with 86% of Iceland’s workforce either on shorter hour contracts or having new options to negotiate reduced hours.
For those hoping for a similar shift in the U.S., Rep. Jessica Ryland has shared the study on her social media, asking, “What are your thoughts on four-day work weeks? Do you think it’s feasible?”
While my instinct is that America’s intense focus on capitalism and hustle culture might hinder such progress, I’m eager to be proven wrong. Let’s make the four-day work week a reality!
If you want to explore more about the intersection of work and personal life, check out our post on youth activism. For those considering home insemination, you can find excellent resources at American Pregnancy and learn more about reliable options at Cryobaby.
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