Working four days a week in Iceland - 2nd August 2021

The Icelandic government has tested a new way of working. People were allowed to work four days a week with no change to their salary. They were paid the same as for five days' work. The trial has been a great success.

Between 2015 and 2019, 2,500 workers took part in the trial. Various workplaces participated, including offices, hospitals and preschools. In most workplaces, the amount of work completed stayed the same. In some places, it increased.

Workers felt less stressed. People’s health got better too. The change gave them more time to spend with family. Time for hobbies and housework also increased.

86 percent of Iceland’s workers now enjoy a shorter working week, or will be able to soon. Many people have gone down from working 40 hours a week to 35 or 36.

There is international interest in the Icelandic trial. Governments and worldwide companies are trying out the idea. Spain is helping companies to test out a four day working week. In New Zealand, Unilever is paying its staff in full but for 20 percent fewer hours.