By Iceland trial 4 day working week is an ‘overwhelming success’.
Trials of a four-day week in Iceland were an “overwhelming success” and led to many workers moving to shorter hours, researchers have said.
The trials, in which workers were paid the same amount for shorter hours, took place between 2015 and 2019.
The trials led unions to renegotiate working patterns, and now 86% of Iceland’s workforce have either moved to shorter hours for the same pay, or will gain the right to, the researchers said.
Workers reported feeling less stressed and at risk of burnout, and said their health and work-life balance had improved.
“The Icelandic shorter working week journey tells us that not only is it possible to work less in modern times, but that progressive change is possible too,” Gudmundur D. Haraldsson, a researcher at Alda, said in a statement.
“Our roadmap to a shorter working week in the public sector should be of interest to anyone who wishes to see working hours reduced.”
People have taken to Twitter to share their opinions on the trial.
“We’re still using a working week model from the 19th Century despite 21st Century technology and productivity. It’s time to update how we work,” a user from the UK said.
Another user from the UK tweeted their support: “Speaking as someone on a four day work week currently, it’s hugely beneficial to my mental health and, honestly, I feel like I get more done in those four days.”
