Reykjavík, Iceland – Iceland's pioneering trials of a reduced workweek, which began in 2015, have culminated in a significant shift in national labor practices, with approximately 86% of the country's working population now having the right to shorter hours for the same pay. This widespread adoption follows the "overwhelming success" of the experiments, which demonstrated sustained productivity alongside substantial improvements in employee well-being. The development aligns with contemporary discussions around work-life balance, as highlighted in a recent social media post by THIRST Entertainment Network, which stated, > "Iceland approved the 4-day workweek in 2019, nearly 6 years later, all the predictions made by Generation Z have come true."
The trials, initiated by the Reykjavík City Council and the Icelandic national government between 2015 and 2019, involved over 2,500 workers, representing about 1% of Iceland's workforce. Participants across various sectors, including offices, preschools, and hospitals, transitioned from a standard 40-hour week to 35 or 36 hours without a reduction in salary. This move was a direct response to demands from trade unions and civil society organizations advocating for improved working conditions.
Analysis by UK think tank Autonomy and Iceland's Association for Sustainable Democracy (Alda) confirmed that productivity either remained stable or improved in most workplaces. Crucially, employees reported significant benefits, including reduced stress and burnout, enhanced mental health, and a better work-life balance. These positive outcomes provided a strong foundation for subsequent labor negotiations.
Following the successful trials, Icelandic trade unions renegotiated contracts, embedding the right to shorter working hours for a vast majority of the workforce. This transformative change has positioned Iceland as a global leader in exploring alternative work models, demonstrating that reduced hours can benefit both employees and employers. The country's economy has also remained robust, further underscoring the viability of this progressive approach.
Iceland's experience serves as a crucial blueprint for other nations considering similar reforms. Countries like Spain, Germany, and the UK have launched their own pilot programs, while Belgium has legislated a four-day week option. The Icelandic model, which prioritizes actual reduction in hours without condensing the same workload into fewer days, offers valuable insights into fostering a more sustainable and human-centered employment paradigm.