Imagine working fewer hours each week yet producing just as much—or even more. That’s exactly what 45 German companies discovered during a groundbreaking experiment with the four-day workweek. After six months of trialing this bold shift, nearly three-quarters of these businesses are choosing to stick with the shorter workweek, reshaping how they view productivity and employee well-being.
A bold experiment shakes up traditional work schedules
In February 2024, Germany kicked off a nationwide pilot program that would test the viability of a 100-80-100 work model: employees working 80% of the traditional 40-hour week, receiving 100% of their pay, while maintaining full productivity. The trial involved diverse sectors—from technology startups and finance firms to manufacturing plants—all coordinated in partnership with Four Day Week Global, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting shorter workweeks worldwide.
Initially, skepticism filled the air. Companies feared missing deadlines, economists predicted dips in productivity, and employees questioned if the compressed schedule would work for them. Yet after half a year, 73% of participating firms reported they not only met expectations but were eager to continue.
Efficiency blooms with less time at work
The key to this success? Smart restructuring and technology. One Berlin-based manufacturer revamped its entire workflow using automation to minimize production delays. Over 60% of companies cut down the number or length of meetings, recognizing many were simply unnecessary. About a quarter adopted new digital tools to streamline administrative tasks, freeing up valuable employee hours.
This approach aligns with findings from the McKinsey report on flexible work strategies, which highlights how reducing time spent in redundant meetings can boost output and morale.
One company executive summed it up: “By refining our processes, we achieved stronger overall performance despite fewer hours worked.” This shift challenges the entrenched idea that longer hours directly equal higher productivity.
Healthier, happier workers fuel the momentum
Employee feedback served as some of the most compelling evidence for the four-day week’s benefits. At the trial’s end, surveys revealed an overwhelming 90% of workers felt their mental and physical health had improved, directly citing reduced stress and better work-life balance as game changers. More than 80% expressed hope that the shorter workweek would become permanent.
Many employees reported they were sleeping better, dedicating more time to exercise, and reconnecting with family and personal passions. A Berlin-based tech manager reflected on the change, saying, “My team is more motivated and energized than ever before.” Another employee shared, “It’s amazing how much better I feel both mentally and physically.”
These observations echo a 2023 Harvard Business Review article, which emphasized that improved employee well-being translates to stronger organizational performance over time.
Flexibility proves vital, but challenges remain
Germany’s pilot was deliberately flexible, allowing companies to adapt the four-day model to their unique needs. Some adopted rotating days off to ensure continuous operations; others went with 4.5-day weeks or limited the reduced schedule to specific departments. The German Employers’ Association encouraged businesses to collaborate with employees on negotiating new work arrangements.
However, not all companies chose to continue the experiment. Financial constraints, operational complexity, and industry-specific demands meant the four-day week isn’t a universal solution. Labor market expert Julia Backmann from the University of Münster cautioned, “While a shorter week suits some companies, it may not be scalable across the entire German economy.” This nuanced perspective is important for policymakers and employers alike, reminding us that innovation in the workplace requires flexibility and careful evaluation.
Still, Germany’s results align with successful trials in countries like Spain, Portugal, Ireland, South Africa, and Brazil. According to Four Day Week Global, over 210 companies worldwide have experimented with this model, often reporting benefits in talent recruitment, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency. This growing body of evidence suggests a global shift in how work hours are structured is underway.
Dr. Lisa Nguyen, an occupational psychologist, explained in a 2024 study that compressed work schedules “can increase focus and reduce burnout when implemented thoughtfully.” This pilot sheds light on how balancing work demands with employee well-being creates win-win outcomes.
As companies worldwide take note of Germany’s experiment, one thing is clear: the traditional five-day workweek might no longer be a fixed rule but a choice ripe for reimagining.
How do you feel about the four-day workweek? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation on what the future of work might look like in your industry.