The traditional 9-to-5, Monday to Friday schedule was invented by Henry Ford in 1926. A century later, many experts argue it is obsolete. Trials in the UK, Iceland, and Japan are showing that working less might actually produce more.
But how does it work? The model is simple: 100% pay, 80% hours, 100% productivity. It sounds too good to be true, yet the data tells a different story.
The Icelandic Experiment
Between 2015 and 2019, Iceland ran the world's largest trial of a shorter working week. The results were overwhelming:
- Productivity remained the same or improved in most workplaces.
- Employee stress and burnout plummeted.
- Work-life balance scores skyrocketed.
Why Japan is joining in
Japan is famous for its grueling work culture, known as "Karoshi" (death by overwork). In a surprising twist, the Japanese government is now encouraging companies to adopt a 4-day week to boost the economy and family life.
Microsoft Japan tested this in 2019 and saw a 40% increase in productivity. By closing offices on Fridays, they also saved 23% on electricity costs.
How does your work week compare?
While Europe is moving towards 32-35 hours per week, countries like Mexico and South Korea still average over 40+ hours. The gap between the "overworked" and the "balanced" nations is widening.
Curious to see which countries work the longest hours in 2025?