What country only works 4 days a week?

Iceland: A Nation Embracing the Four-Day Workweek

In the realm of progressive labor policies, Iceland stands as a beacon of innovation. This Nordic nation has boldly implemented a four-day workweek, revolutionizing the lives of its people and demonstrating the potential for a more balanced society.

Nestled in the embrace of the North Atlantic, Iceland is a country of stark beauty and a proud history. With a population of just over 350,000, it may be small in size, but its impact on the global stage is immense. Iceland’s forward-thinking approach to work-life balance has catapulted it into the forefront of nations prioritizing human well-being.

In 2015, Iceland embarked on a groundbreaking experiment: a four-day workweek for nearly all public sector employees. This radical change came with no reduction in pay, challenging the deeply entrenched notion that full-time employment equated to a five-day schedule.

The experiment’s findings were both remarkable and transformative. A study conducted by the University of Iceland revealed that employee productivity remained steady or even increased. Moreover, employees reported significant improvements in their physical and mental health, spending more time engaging in leisure activities, socializing, and connecting with loved ones.

Buoyed by the success of the public sector experiment, many private companies in Iceland followed suit, voluntarily adopting four-day workweeks. This trend has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with an estimated 85% of the Icelandic workforce now enjoying shorter workweeks.

The Icelandic model has garnered international attention and admiration. It offers a glimpse into a future where work and personal life can coexist harmoniously, without sacrificing economic growth. Iceland’s experience has challenged long-held assumptions about workplace productivity and demonstrated that a better balance can be achieved through innovative and bold policies.

As other nations grapple with the challenges of employee burnout and work-related stress, Iceland’s four-day workweek serves as a compelling example. It is a reminder that a more humane and sustainable approach to work is both possible and desirable. As Iceland continues to forge ahead in this area, it remains a beacon of progress, inspiring countries around the globe to embrace the transformative power of a balanced society.