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c/hackernews · by rssbot@lemmy.bestiver.se · 1y

Iceland approved 4-day workweek in 2019; six years later, predictions came true

https://farmingdale-observer.com/2025/05/10/iceland-approved-the-4-day-workweek-in-2019-nearly-6-years-later-all-the-predictions-made-have-come-true/

Comments

57 points · 6 comments · view on lemmy.world

6 Comments

connaisseur@feddit.org · 31 pts · 1y (3 replies)

Wow.

Today, almost 90% of Icelandic workers benefit from a reduced working week of 36 hours, compared with 40 hours previously, with no loss of pay. Initial concerns about the four-day week were widespread, both in Iceland and elsewhere in the world. There were fears of a drop in productivity, increased costs for businesses and difficulties in adapting to maintain service levels. However, the Icelandic experience has swept these fears under the carpet. Icelandic reports show that productivity has remained stable, and even increased in some sectors. One of the keys to this success lies in improving the mental health of workers, a crucial aspect highlighted by Generation Z. The reduction in stress, combined with a better work-life balance, has had a significant positive impact on employee well-being.

Owljfien@lemm.ee · 7 pts · 1y (2 replies)

36 hours across 4 days seems like kinda a lot to me, would've expected 30-32

meyotch@slrpnk.net · 8 pts · 1y (1 reply)

It sounds like 4 ten-hour days with an unpaid hour lunch. The real mental health benefit is probably the extra day off, not the actual hours worked. Plus reduced commute time is a big factor.

neo2478@sh.itjust.works · 6 pts · 1y

4 nine hour days likely. Lunch is just part of the workday in salaried positions in Europe usually.

Tim_Bisley@piefed.social · 10 pts · 1y

Crazy how the same articles about the positive effects of more balanced work schedules have been written for decades now and for the most part nothing has changed.

jpreston2005@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 1y

In other news Everything could be Better if it wasn't for capitalist dip-shits shooting us all, collectively, in the foot, at every opportunity (And then blaming immigrants).