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Four-day working week trial in Iceland has been an ‘overwhelming success’
Could Manchester benefit from a four-day working week?
Researchers in Iceland have revealed that trials for a four day working week have been hugely successful.
The trials, run by Reykjavík City Council and the Icelandic national government, took place across four years from 2015 to 2019, and saw more than 2,500 workers take part, which amounts to about 1% of Iceland’s working population.
A range of workplaces were included in the study, including nurseries, offices, social service providers and hospitals.
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The workplaces taking part moved from a forty hour working week to a thirty-six or thirty-five hour working week with no pay cut for employers – and, remarkably, it was found that, despite the shorter hours, their productivity was at an all time high.
Workers reported feeling less stressed and at risk of burnout while working these shorter hours, and also said their health and work-life balance had improved drastically.
They also reported having more time to spend with their families, do hobbies and complete household chores.
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Amazingly, the trials have now led unions to renegotiate working patterns, meaning that 86% of Iceland’s workforce have either moved to shorter hours for the same pay, or have gained the right to.
Will Stronge, director of research at Autonomy said, as per the BBC: “This study shows that the world’s largest ever trial of a shorter working week in the public sector was by all measures an overwhelming success.
“It shows that the public sector is ripe for being a pioneer of shorter working weeks – and lessons can be learned for other governments.”
Back in May, a report commissioned by the 4 Day Week campaign from Platform London suggested that shorter hours could cut the UK’s carbon footprint – do you think it could become a reality here in Manchester?