The 4-day week - the model of the future?

The world of work is changing, and one question in particular seems to be coming to the fore: "What will the world of work look like in the future?" The 4-day week is becoming a popular answer. Here you can find an overview of the trend topic and learn more about the background, advantages and disadvantages as well as the situation in Germany.

The idea behind the 4-day week

With the 4-day week, employees have the option of spreading their total weekly working hours over 4 days instead of 5. The goal is for employees to gain one day off per week for the same salary, making them more productive and satisfied overall.

Did you know? The 8-hour day has existed in Germany for over 100 years.

Pioneers Iceland, Belgium & Co.

In Iceland, field tests have shown that a switch to a 4-day week with 32 hours per week leads to an improved work-life balance and an increase in the well-being of employees.

Belgium has allowed employees to spread their 40-hour workweek over four days since November 2022 without taking a pay cut. An alternative option is to work fewer hours with a corresponding reduction in salary.

In Sweden, the concept of a 4-day week with full pay has already been implemented at many companies. However, the pilot was terminated after 2 years due to high costs. Currently, Sweden is experimenting with a 6-hour workday.

Good to know: According to studies, the 4-day week leads to employees benefiting overall from a better work-life balance and suffering less frequently from stress or burn-out.

The 4-day week in the numbers check

The big question behind the new work model is, "How much is left over?" From working hours to salary to vacation days - Here you get the numbers at a glance.

Working hours

A 4-day week means that the working hours of full-time employees are spread over four days. The idea behind this is to reduce the working hours but maintain the salary. Working hours are then usually 32 or 35 hours. However, some companies leave the working hours unchanged and require employees to work ten hours on each of the four days.

Salary

The basic idea of the 4-day week is to reduce the working hours of the employees while keeping the salary the same. However, in most cases, employees have to work 10 hours per day for 4 days, which maintains the 40-hour workweek.

Likewise, a reduction in salary is possible as soon as the number of hours is reduced. Thus, although the staff works only 4 days, they have to forfeit salary accordingly. Thus, the effects of the 4-day week must be agreed upon individually.

Tip: To embrace the results-oriented approach of the 4-day week, it's important to set clear goals.

Is the 4-day week gaining popularity in Germany?

In Germany, some companies are already experimenting with the new work model. Legally, the 4-day week is allowed under the Working Hours Act (ArbZG), which permits employees to redistribute their working hours up to 10 hours per day. However, the 4-day week is not yet mandatory by law.

Pros and cons at a glance

While the idea of a 4-day week is appealing, there are both advantages and disadvantages depending on the implementation. Here's a table summarizing the key points:

Advantages

✓ Increased productivity ✓ Higher job satisfaction ✓ Better work-life balance with more free time ✓ Reduced absenteeism due to improved well-being

Disadvantages

✖ Possibly longer working days or lower pay ✖ Fewer vacation days ✖ Potential for increased workload with the same responsibilities ✖ Implementation may not be feasible in all industries

Conclusion: trend or future?

While the 4-day week offers many benefits, it's important to consider how it would be implemented. Companies should seek feedback from their employees to determine whether the 4-day week is right for them.

The economic impact of the 4-day week is still uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the working world is constantly evolving. Whether the 4-day week will become a permanent fixture remains to be seen.