Aliyah Davies on the benefits and rising popularity of the four-day work week.
2024 is poised to be a watershed moment for democracies worldwide, with a quarter of the global population heading to the polls in elections that will impact nearly half the world’s population. A sizable portion of these elections will take place in Europe, the most notable of which is arguably the election for Members of the European Parliament, which will be the first since the UK’s official departure from the European Union.
Among the many issues shaping these elections is the movement for working time reduction, particularly the advocacy for a four-day working week. As winds of change sweep through the continent, the European Parliament stands at a pivotal juncture to lead the charge towards reshaping our relationship between work and life.
Europe has emerged as a fertile ground for the four-day week experiment, with numerous trials already underway or recently concluded across the region. From Belgium’s groundbreaking four-day work week legislation (the first of its kind on the continent) to Portugal’s government-backed private sector four-day week pilot programme which has been met with widespread enthusiasm from participants – 85% reported they would require more than a 20% pay increase to return to working five days.
Examples of four-day week trials on the continent have highlighted the potential benefits of a shorter work week. In Ireland, revenue increases and improvements in hiring rates following a trial have demonstrated a positive impact for businesses. Germany is embarking on its own trial with hopes of addressing economic stagnation and labour shortages. While in France, a four-day week for divorced parents and those with complex parenting situations is being considered as a way to support them with childcare arrangements.
Where government-backed large-scale pilots haven’t taken place, individual employers are taking the leap towards this workplace change. Luxury car manufacturer, Lamborghini, recently agreed a deal with autoworkers in Italy to implement a four-day working week – the deal also included a pay raise for workers and a one-time bonus. Likewise, Aksa Akrilik in Turkey (an EU candidate country) has taken the leap to be the country’s first employer to trial a four-day working week with no loss of pay for 200 of their staff.
Whether government-backed or business-led, these initiatives reflect a growing recognition in Europe that the traditional five-day work week may no longer be conducive to productivity, well-being, or sustainability.
The EU Parliament’s involvement in legislating for working time reduction is crucial, building upon the foundation laid by the Working Time Directive 2003. The Directive was introduced with the aim to safeguard workers’ health and safety by setting limits on weekly working hours. The four-day week represents a natural evolution to this premise, recognising the importance of adequate rest and recuperation in preventing workplace accidents and promoting overall well-being.
“Europe is grappling with a burnout epidemic, with a majority of Europeans reporting experiences of burnout or nearing its brink.”
Beyond its implications for health and safety, the four-day week holds promise as a catalyst for addressing pressing societal challenges. Europe is grappling with a burnout epidemic, with a majority of Europeans reporting experiences of burnout or nearing its brink. Coupled with productivity disparities among EU nations and a mental health crisis documented across the continent, the need for transformative labour policies is more evident than ever. Introducing a four-day week can not only enhance productivity but also alleviate strain on mental health and mitigate burnout, fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce.
Moreover, the four-day week aligns with Europe’s ambitious climate goals, as outlined in the Green Deal. By reducing commuting emissions, office carbon footprints, and promoting sustainable living practices, the policy represents a systemic shift towards a more environmentally conscious approach to work. As the EU claims to reaffirm its leadership in the fight against climate change, embracing the four-day week can further solidify its commitment to sustainability and inspire global action.
“By endorsing the four-day week and supporting member states’ efforts to implement it, the EU can catalyse positive change across industries and empower workers to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
But ultimately, the push for a four-day week in Europe is about more than just rethinking the way we work — it is about reimagining the future of work itself. The European Parliament has a unique opportunity to champion progressive labour reform and pave the way for a brighter future of work in Europe. By endorsing the four-day week and supporting member states’ efforts to implement it, the EU can catalyse positive change across industries and empower workers to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
When they cast their votes this June, EU citizens have the power to shape Europe’s trajectory towards a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future. The time has come for policymakers to heed the calls of advocates and make the four-day week a reality for workers across the continent.
Aliyah Davies is a campaigner for the 4 Day Week Campaign, the UK’s national campaign organisation for a four-day working week with no loss of pay. She has a background in politics, with in-depth knowledge of national politics and the Parliamentary process, having previously worked for a member of the UK Parliament for a number of years.
