Germany Dives Into 4-Day Work Week Trial: Aiming For Both Productivity, Employee Well-Being

Germany has embarked on a six-month trial of a 4-day work week starting February 1, even as the wider world is moving towards the trend of pushing for a return to full-time office work post-pandemic. The trial, involving 45 participating companies, is spearheaded by New Zealand-based non-profit 4 Day Week Global.

This German trial follows Belgium’s optional implementation of a 4-day work week in 2022 within the European Union. Meanwhile, in Japan, companies are encouraged to adopt a 4-day work week to promote family time, child-rearing, and increased spending, aiming to boost the economy amid an aging population.

This comes in the wake of an alarming report that said Germans could not work for 21.3 days on average in 2022, resulting in a staggering loss of 207 billion Euros. Unhappiness among employees further contributed to low workplace engagement, costing the global economy €8.1 trillion in 2023, according to Bloomberg. Not to forget how the European powerhouse grapples with economic challenges, a scarcity of skilled workers, and soaring inflation.

Less work days but the same pay

During the trial period, employees will work fewer hours per week for the same pay, with the stipulation that their output remains consistent or increases. The anticipated benefits include heightened productivity and reduced employee leave due to stress, sickness, or burnout. Proponents argue this could alleviate losses for companies and the global economy. Germany, known for a high proportion of part-time workers in the European Union, sees the 4-day week as a means to tap into untapped potential in this workforce segment.

Despite 4-day fervor among many, Germany’s Finance Minister Christian Lindner has voiced concerns, suggesting a shorter work week could pose a threat to economic growth. On the contrary, 4 Day Week Global points to successful experiments in the US, Canada, the UK, and Portugal, where workers reported improved mental and physical health and reduced burnout. Companies participating in Germany’s 4-day workweek initiative are optimistic about achieving similar positive outcomes.

“These initiatives only work if companies undertake substantial work redesign to reduce hours while maintaining business outcomes. This means streamlining operations, removing administrative burdens, and prioritizing high-impact work,” according to a Harvard Business Review article titled “How to Actually Execute a 4-Day Workweek,” published December last year.