Four-day Week: Trend Or Utopia?

Co - authored by Inês Anjos

The model first emerged - in a relatively organised manner - in New Zealand in 2019 and is currently being trialled in different countries, including Spain, Australia, Iceland and Japan.

The four-day week is attractive for both sides of the employment relationship, especially as it heralds advantages or benefits for employees and employers:

i) It promises employees more free time, with corresponding positive impacts in terms of health, well-being and management of life and household economy; and

ii) It assures employers of maintained productivity and competitiveness, along with enhanced public reputation (by promoting ESG goals such as innovation, gender equality and climate efficiency).