A four day working week in Iceland - 2nd August 2021

Many people in Iceland are working fewer hours after a successful experiment by the government and Reykjavik City Council. The trial involved more than 2,500 people in a range of workplaces. It covered about one percent of Iceland's workforce.

The trials, which took place between 2015 and 2019, included preschools, offices, social service providers and hospitals. Workers received their salaries as usual, but for working fewer hours.

Researchers from the UK and the Association for Sustainable Democracy found that there was no reduction in productivity. In some cases, employees even completed more work than they had before.

Workers reported feeling less stressed and said their health and work-life balance had improved. They also enjoyed having more time to spend with their family, do hobbies and complete household chores.

The trial has been an overwhelming success. And as a result, 86 percent of workers in Iceland are now working fewer hours for the same salary, or will soon be allowed to. The experiment has encouraged unions to adapt the traditional 40 hour working week. This has led to a shorter, 35 or 36 hour week for many.

Other governments and businesses are studying Iceland's experiment closely. A four day week is being trialled in Spain. This is partly because of the issues caused by the coronavirus. Similarly, in New Zealand, Unilever will let workers reduce their hours by 20 percent without a pay cut.