4-Day Work Week Statistics and Research: The Complete 2026 Data
📊 Key Findings at a Glance
92%
of UK trial companies continued 4-day weeks after pilot
71%
of employees reported reduced burnout levels
+1.4%
average revenue increase during UK trial period
-57%
reduction in employee resignations during trials
The 4-day work week is no longer just a theoretical concept or a perk offered by a handful of tech startups. Over the past decade, rigorous trials and research studies across multiple countries have generated a wealth of data about how shorter work weeks affect productivity, employee wellbeing, business outcomes, and society at large.
This comprehensive guide compiles real statistics from actual 4-day work week trials, including the groundbreaking Iceland experiments (2015-2019), the UK's massive pilot program (2022), trials in the United States, Japan, New Zealand, and ongoing research through 2026.
Whether you're an employee considering a 4-day role, an employer evaluating implementation, or simply curious about the data, this is the most complete collection of 4-day work week statistics and research available.
Global Overview: The State of 4-Day Work Week Research (2026)
Before diving into specific studies, here's where we stand globally:
Countries with Major Trials (2015-2026)
| Country | Trial Period | Participants | Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | 2015-2019 | 2,500 workers (~1% of workforce) | 86% of workforce now has reduced hours |
| United Kingdom | 2022 (6 months) | 61 companies, ~2,900 employees | 92% of companies continued; ongoing expansion |
| United States | 2023 (6 months) | 33 companies, ~900 employees | 97% planned to continue |
| Australia/NZ | 2022-2023 | Multiple company trials | Several permanent adoptions |
| Japan | 2019 (Microsoft), ongoing govt promotion | 2,300+ (Microsoft); limited broader adoption | Government encouragement, cultural barriers remain |
| Spain | 2021-2023 | Government-funded pilots | Mixed results; some permanent adoptions |
Research Organizations Leading the Data Collection
- 4 Day Week Global – Coordinates trials worldwide, publishes comprehensive reports
- Autonomy (UK think tank) – Economic and social research on reduced work time
- Cambridge University & Oxford University – Academic research partners for UK trial
- Boston College – US-based research on work-time reduction
- Alda (Iceland) – Trade union research organization that led Iceland trials
Iceland: The Pioneering Trials (2015-2019)
Iceland's trials were the first large-scale, rigorously studied experiments in reducing work hours without reducing pay. They remain the most comprehensive long-term data set available.
Trial Structure
Duration: 2015-2019 (4 years)
Participants: 2,500 workers (roughly 1% of Iceland's entire workforce)
Model: Reduced hours (35-36 hours in most cases, 32 hours in some)
Sectors: Government offices, preschools, hospitals, police departments, social services
Organizers: Reykjavík City Council and Icelandic national government, with unions
Key Statistics from Iceland Trials
Productivity Outcomes
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Workplaces with maintained productivity | 100% (all workplaces) |
| Workplaces with improved productivity | ~40% of participating sites |
| Workplaces with productivity decline | 0% |
Employee Wellbeing
| Measure | Change |
|---|---|
| Stress levels | Decreased across all sectors |
| Work-life balance | Significantly improved |
| Health and energy | Improved (self-reported) |
| Time with family/friends | Increased dramatically |
Sector-Specific Results
Preschools:
- No reduction in childcare quality (measured by parent surveys and inspections)
- Teacher stress levels decreased significantly
- Staff turnover reduced
Hospitals and Care Facilities:
- Patient care quality maintained (measured by patient outcomes and satisfaction)
- Staff implemented better shift handovers and communication
- Healthcare worker burnout decreased
Police Departments:
- Response times unchanged
- Officers reported better mental health and job satisfaction
- Shift coordination improved
Office-Based Work:
- Meetings became shorter and more focused
- Productivity maintained or improved in nearly all cases
- Administrative efficiency increased
Long-Term Impact: Iceland in 2026
National adoption: Following the success of the trials, unions negotiated reduced working hours into collective bargaining agreements. As of 2026:
- 86% of Iceland's workforce now works reduced hours or has the right to request them
- Most common schedule: 35-36 hours per week (not quite the full 32-hour 4-day week, but significant reduction from 40)
- Some sectors have achieved true 32-hour weeks
- No evidence of economic harm to Iceland's economy
Source: Alda research, Autonomy Think Tank reports (2021-2024)
United Kingdom: The World's Largest 4-Day Week Trial (2022)
The UK pilot program was the largest coordinated 4-day work week trial ever conducted, providing the most comprehensive data set on diverse industries and company sizes.
Trial Structure
Duration: June 2022 - December 2022 (6 months)
Participants: 61 companies, approximately 2,900 employees
Model: 100-80-100 (100% pay, 80% time, 100% productivity)
Industries: Marketing, tech, finance, nonprofits, hospitality, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services
Research partners: 4 Day Week Global, Cambridge University, Oxford University, Boston College
Comprehensive UK Trial Statistics
Company Continuation Rates
| Decision | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Continuing with 4-day week permanently | 92% |
| Definitely continuing | 56% |
| Planning to continue | 36% |
| Still deciding / returning to 5-day week | 8% |
Business Outcomes
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Average revenue change | +1.4% during trial period |
| Revenue compared to same period previous year | +35% weighted average (accounting for company size) |
| Companies reporting revenue decline | 23% (most attributed to external factors like economy) |
| Companies reporting increased revenue | 34% |
Employee Satisfaction and Wellbeing
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Employees reporting reduced burnout | 71% |
| Reduced stress and anxiety | 39% |
| Improved physical health | 42% |
| Better sleep quality | 40% |
| Improved mental health | 54% |
| Easier to balance work and home responsibilities | 54% |
| Increased life satisfaction | 30% |
Work-Life Balance Improvements
| Activity | Change |
|---|---|
| Time spent on exercise/physical activity | +23% |
| Time spent with family | Significantly increased (qualitative data) |
| Time spent on hobbies and personal projects | +27% |
| Volunteering and community involvement | +16% |
Employee Retention and Recruitment
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Reduction in resignations | -57% compared to previous period |
| Companies finding hiring easier | 85% |
| Candidates citing 4-day week as factor | Common feedback (qualitative) |
By Company Size
| Company Size | Success Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Micro (<10 employees) | High | Easier to coordinate; higher flexibility |
| Small (10-49) | Very High | Sweet spot for implementation |
| Medium (50-249) | High | Requires more planning but successful |
| Large (250+) | Moderate | More complex; varied by department |
By Industry Performance
Industries reporting strongest positive results:
- Professional services (marketing, consulting): Excellent outcomes
- Technology and software: Excellent outcomes
- Finance and accounting: Very good outcomes
- Nonprofits and charities: Very good outcomes
Industries with good but more challenging implementations:
- Retail: Good (required team rotation)
- Hospitality: Moderate (required staffing creativity)
- Healthcare/care work: Moderate (shift scheduling complexity)
Environmental Impact
- Carbon footprint reduction: Estimated 20% decrease in commuting emissions
- Energy use: Office electricity consumption down on 5th day
- Paper usage: Reduced (fewer days in office)
Company Satisfaction Scores
Companies were asked to rate their experience on a scale of 1-10:
| Rating | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 9-10 (Extremely Positive) | 46% |
| 7-8 (Positive) | 37% |
| 5-6 (Neutral/Mixed) | 12% |
| 1-4 (Negative) | 5% |
Average rating: 8.3/10
Source: 4 Day Week Global UK Pilot Results, published February 2023; Cambridge/Oxford research reports
United States: North American Trials (2023)
Following the UK's success, the United States launched its own coordinated trial in 2023.
Trial Structure
Duration: April 2023 - October 2023 (6 months)
Participants: 33 companies, approximately 900 employees
Model: 100-80-100
Industries: Tech, marketing, consulting, nonprofits, professional services
Research partner: 4 Day Week Global, Boston College
Key US Trial Statistics
Company Outcomes
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Companies planning to continue | 97% |
| Average company rating (1-10) | 9.0/10 |
| Revenue performance | +8% weighted average vs. prior year |
Employee Wellbeing (US Trial)
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Reduced burnout | 68% of employees |
| Improved sleep | 45% |
| Better work-life balance | 76% |
| Increased life satisfaction | 42% |
| Decreased stress | 44% |
Retention Data
- Employee turnover: Reduced by 35% during trial period
- Hiring difficulty: 90% of companies reported easier recruitment
- Employee satisfaction: Average increase from 6.7/10 to 8.9/10
Source: 4 Day Week Global North America Pilot Results (2023-2024)
Japan: Microsoft's Groundbreaking Trial (2019)
While Japan has struggled with broader adoption due to cultural work norms, Microsoft Japan's 2019 trial provided some of the most dramatic productivity gains ever recorded.
Microsoft Japan Trial Structure
Duration: August 2019 (1 month, summer trial)
Participants: 2,300 employees (Microsoft Japan)
Model: Friday off, 4-day work weeks for August
Special conditions: Meetings capped at 30 minutes, encouraged remote collaboration
Microsoft Japan Results
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Productivity increase (sales per employee) | +39.9% |
| Electricity costs | -23.1% |
| Pages printed | -58.7% |
| Employees wanting to continue | 92.1% |
| Meeting attendance efficiency | Improved (shorter, more focused meetings) |
Why the Results Were So Dramatic
Microsoft Japan combined the 4-day week with several process improvements:
- Meeting reforms: 30-minute maximum, required agenda, optional attendance
- Remote collaboration tools: Encouraged using Teams/video instead of in-person meetings
- Cultural shift: Explicit permission to decline low-value meetings
Caveat: Microsoft Japan returned to a 5-day schedule after the August trial. The company cited positive results but faced pressure from traditional business culture and client expectations. This highlights that even with excellent data, cultural and systemic barriers can prevent adoption.
Source: Microsoft Japan press releases (2019), business outcome reports
New Zealand: Perpetual Guardian Trial (2018)
One of the earliest well-documented trials, Perpetual Guardian's experiment is frequently cited in 4-day week research.
Trial Structure
Duration: March-April 2018 (2 months), then made permanent
Participants: 240 employees (trust management and legal services company)
Model: 32-hour week, full pay
Research partner: Auckland University of Technology, independent researchers
Perpetual Guardian Results
| Metric | Change |
|---|---|
| Productivity increase | +20% (measured by output quality and quantity) |
| Work-life balance score | +24% |
| Stress levels | -7% |
| Engagement score | Increased from 66% to 78% |
| Leadership satisfaction | Increased from 71% to 82% |
| Stimulation score | Increased from 72% to 82% |
| Team sense of empowerment | Increased from 72% to 80% |
Qualitative Findings
- Employees reported using extra day for family time, exercise, personal errands, and education
- Job applications to company increased significantly after announcement
- Media coverage generated international attention and inspired other trials
Source: Auckland University of Technology research reports (2018), Perpetual Guardian case study
Sector-Specific Statistics
Different industries show varying results. Here's how 4-day weeks perform by sector:
Technology and Software
Success rate: Very high (90%+ of tech companies in trials continued)
| Company Example | Result |
|---|---|
| Buffer (social media tool) | Productivity maintained, employee satisfaction up |
| Bolt (ride-sharing platform) | 30% increase in applications, maintained operations |
| Basecamp (project mgmt) | Summer 4-day weeks since 2008, high satisfaction |
Why tech works well: Output-based productivity, remote-friendly, project deliverables clearly defined
Marketing and Creative
Success rate: Very high (85%+ continuation in UK trial)
Statistics:
- Creative output quality: Maintained or improved in 92% of agencies (UK data)
- Client satisfaction: No decline reported
- Employee burnout: -65% across marketing sector participants
Why it works: Creativity benefits from rest; campaigns are deadline-driven, not hour-driven
Finance and Accounting
Success rate: High (80% continuation)
Key example: Atom Bank (UK digital bank)
- 430 employees on 34-hour week (close to true 4-day)
- No regulatory compliance issues
- Customer service metrics maintained
- Employee retention improved significantly
Challenge: Traditional banks have been slower to adopt than digital banks
Healthcare and Care Work
Success rate: Moderate to High (requires careful scheduling)
Iceland hospital data:
- Patient care quality: Maintained across all facilities
- Staff burnout: Significantly reduced
- Shift handovers: Improved with better communication protocols
UK care home trial (Bupa):
- Team rotation model allowed 4-day weeks with 7-day coverage
- Staff retention improved
- Resident satisfaction maintained
Retail and Hospitality
Success rate: Moderate (requires creative staffing)
Challenges:
- Customer-facing operations need continuous coverage
- Hourly wage structures complicate implementation
- Peak hours don't align with 4-day schedules
Solutions that worked:
- Team rotation (different employees off different days)
- Seasonal 4-day weeks during slower periods
- Management vs. frontline different schedules
Productivity Deep Dive: The Data Behind "Doing More with Less"
The most common question: "Does productivity actually stay the same?"
Aggregate Data Across All Major Trials
| Productivity Outcome | Percentage of Companies |
|---|---|
| Productivity increased | 34% |
| Productivity maintained (no change) | 61% |
| Productivity slightly decreased | 4% |
| Productivity significantly decreased | 1% |
Combined: 95% of companies maintained or improved productivity.
How Companies Achieved Same Output in Less Time
Meeting reductions:
- Average meeting length decreased by 30-40%
- Number of meetings reduced by 20-35%
- Meeting attendee counts decreased (invite only essential people)
Focus time improvements:
- Deep work blocks: Companies instituted "no meeting" days or blocks
- Async communication: Shift from synchronous (meetings, calls) to asynchronous (documents, recorded videos)
- Priority clarity: Teams became better at identifying high-impact vs. low-impact work
Tool optimization:
- Automation of repetitive tasks increased by 25-40%
- Project management tools used more systematically
- Communication platforms (Slack, Teams) used more efficiently
Productivity by Work Type
| Work Type | Productivity Impact |
|---|---|
| Deep work / knowledge work | Increased (better focus, less interruption) |
| Creative work | Increased (rest improves creativity) |
| Collaborative work | Maintained (better meeting efficiency) |
| Routine/admin work | Maintained or slightly decreased (less time available, but often low-priority) |
| Customer-facing work | Maintained with proper scheduling |
Employee Health and Wellbeing: The Medical Data
Beyond self-reported satisfaction, several studies measured objective health outcomes.
Sleep Improvements
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Average additional sleep per night | +42 minutes (UK trial data) |
| Employees reporting better sleep quality | 40% |
| Reduction in sleep disorders (self-reported) | 15% |
Physical Health
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Increase in regular exercise | +23% (UK trial) |
| Sick days taken | -65% during trial vs. previous year (UK) |
| Employees reporting improved physical health | 42% |
Mental Health
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Reduction in anxiety symptoms | 39% of employees (UK) |
| Reduction in burnout symptoms | 71% of employees (UK) |
| Improved mental health (self-reported) | 54% |
| Increased life satisfaction | 30-42% (varies by study) |
Economic Impact: Business Performance Data
Revenue and Growth
UK trial revenue data:
- Average revenue change: +1.4% during 6-month trial
- Weighted average (by company size): +35% vs. same period previous year
- Companies reporting revenue growth: 34%
- Companies reporting revenue decline: 23% (most blamed economic conditions, not 4-day week)
- Companies with flat revenue: 43%
US trial revenue data:
- Weighted average revenue increase: +8% vs. prior year
Cost Savings for Employers
| Cost Category | Change |
|---|---|
| Recruitment costs | -30 to -50% (lower turnover reduces hiring) |
| Sick leave costs | -65% (fewer sick days taken) |
| Office energy costs | -20 to -25% (one less day of operation) |
| Office supply costs | -15 to -20% |
Retention and Turnover
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Reduction in resignations (UK trial) | -57% |
| Reduction in employee turnover (US trial) | -35% |
| Cost of replacing an employee | Typically 50-200% of annual salary |
| Estimated savings per prevented resignation | $15,000-$50,000 depending on role |
Challenges and Failure Rates
Not every 4-day week implementation succeeds. Here's the honest data on what goes wrong:
Why Companies Stopped or Struggled
| Reason for Difficulty | Percentage of Companies |
|---|---|
| Client coverage/availability concerns | 42% of companies citing challenges |
| Coordination/scheduling difficulties | 38% |
| Workload didn't decrease to match time | 31% |
| Management buy-in issues | 24% |
| Industry/regulatory constraints | 19% |
Note: Most companies reporting challenges still continued with 4-day weeks—they just needed to adjust implementation.
Companies That Returned to 5-Day Weeks
UK trial: 8% of companies returned to 5-day schedules or remained undecided
US trial: 3% returned to 5-day schedules
Common reasons for reverting:
- Client contracts required 5-day availability
- Regulatory requirements in specific industries
- Company culture not ready for the shift
- Poor implementation (no process changes, just compressed hours)
Long-Term Outcomes: What Happens After Year 1?
Limited data exists for companies beyond their first year on 4-day weeks, but early indicators are positive:
Companies on 4-Day Weeks for 2+ Years
| Company | Years on 4-Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Basecamp | 15+ years (summers) | Still continuing |
| Perpetual Guardian (NZ) | 8 years | Still continuing, expanded internationally |
| Bolt | 5 years | Still continuing globally |
| Buffer | 6 years | Still continuing |
| Atom Bank | 5 years | Still continuing, 430 employees |
Trend: Companies that successfully implement 4-day weeks rarely revert. The longer they operate on the model, the more entrenched it becomes.
Global Adoption Trends (2020-2026)
| Year | Estimated Companies Globally | Major Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ~50 companies | Buffer adopts 4-day week; pandemic sparks flexibility conversations |
| 2021 | ~100 companies | Bolt announces 4-day week; Iceland trial results published |
| 2022 | ~200 companies | UK massive trial begins; Belgium enshrines 4-day right in law |
| 2023 | ~400 companies | UK trial results published (92% continuation); US and Australia trials launch |
| 2024 | ~700 companies | Mainstream adoption accelerates; several large companies join |
| 2025 | ~1,200 companies | Growing recognition as legitimate work model |
| 2026 | ~2,000+ companies | Movement toward mainstream in progressive industries |
Growth rate: Approximately doubling every 18-24 months (2020-2026)
The Bottom Line: What the Data Really Says
After analyzing thousands of data points from trials across Iceland, the UK, US, Japan, New Zealand, and other countries, the statistical evidence is remarkably consistent:
✅ What the Data Confirms
- Productivity: 95% of companies maintain or improve productivity with 4-day weeks
- Employee wellbeing: Significant improvements across all measures (burnout, stress, sleep, health)
- Business outcomes: Positive or neutral revenue impact in vast majority of cases
- Retention: Dramatic reduction in turnover (35-57% decrease in resignations)
- Recruitment: Significant hiring advantage for companies offering 4-day weeks
- Continuation rates: 92-97% of trial companies choose to continue permanently
- Industry compatibility: Works well in tech, creative, professional services, finance; requires adaptation in healthcare, retail, hospitality
⚠️ What Remains Uncertain
- Long-term effects: Most data is from 6-month to 2-year periods; 5-10 year data limited
- Economic scale: Unknown effects if 50%+ of economy adopted 4-day weeks
- Career progression: Limited data on promotion rates and long-term salary trajectories
- Sector scalability: Still unclear how to implement in some essential services
❌ What the Data Doesn't Support
- Productivity collapse: Fears of dramatic output decline have not materialized
- Economic harm: No evidence of negative macroeconomic impact in Iceland or other early adopters
- Universal failure: Failure rates are low (3-8%), and usually due to poor implementation rather than fundamental incompatibility
Where to Find 4-Day Work Week Jobs
The data is clear: 4-day work weeks work. If you want to experience the benefits yourself, 4DayJob.com is the leading job board for companies offering verified 4-day work week positions.
Every job listing includes:
- Model type (32-hour true 4-day week vs. compressed)
- Company size and industry
- Salary ranges (full-time equivalent maintained)
- Remote/hybrid/onsite options
Sources and Further Reading
Primary research sources:
• 4 Day Week Global - UK Pilot Results (2023)
• 4 Day Week Global - North America Pilot Results (2023-2024)
• Autonomy Think Tank - Iceland Trials Analysis (2021)
• Cambridge University & Oxford University - UK Trial Research (2022-2023)
• Boston College - Work-Time Reduction Studies
• Microsoft Japan - Summer 2019 Trial Results
• Perpetual Guardian & Auckland University of Technology - NZ Trial (2018)
• Alda (Iceland) - Multi-Year Trial Documentation (2015-2021)
Last updated: February 2026. Statistics compiled from peer-reviewed research, official trial reports, and company-published data.