"I have no doubt that the shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek in Henry Ford’s factories in 1926 or the first industrial revolution-era attempts to allow workers to rest—such as in the U.S. (1870), the UK (1871), and France (1936)—were also considered utopian and unrealistic at the time," says Prof. Dr. Vida Davidavičienė, Dean of the Faculty of Business Management at VILNIUS TECH.
According to her, resistance to an unfamiliar idea is normal, but ignoring the evolving business landscape and the needs and expectations of a new generation of workers is not an option.
"Countries and organizations that postpone or ignore this issue will lose their competitive edge, end up with less motivated employees, and see a workforce that is more exhausted compared to their competitors," the professor explains.
Moreover, this concept is not entirely new—it has already been tested or implemented in various forms across 23 countries, including Ireland, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Japan, the United States, Norway, the Netherlands, South Africa, Finland, the UAE, the UK, Germany, and others.
Lithuania is among these nations, having joined the ranks in 2021 when the workweek for parents with children under three years old was reduced to 32 hours. Additionally, some Lithuanian companies have already adopted the four-day workweek model, with Vilniaus Šilumos Tinklai being the most notable example.
"There are many different pilot models in place, and attention to this issue is growing. Therefore, it is likely that in the near future, as the benefits of the four-day workweek become more evident, we will see a broader shift toward this way of organizing work," says the VILNIUS TECH professor.
Employers who have tested this model highlight its key advantages, such as a better work-life balance, reduced stress and burnout risk, increased employee satisfaction, and improved talent retention.
"For hesitant employers, one of the strongest arguments is increased productivity. Research shows that shorter workweeks enhance efficiency and focus. Employees spend less time on unproductive meetings and distractions. For example, a Forbes study found that workers on a four-day schedule were 20% more productive, and their overall well-being improved. Meanwhile, a 2019 experiment by Microsoft Japan revealed a staggering 40% increase in productivity," says Prof. Dr. V. Davidavičienė.
Sustainability is another crucial factor. A four-day workweek would help reduce office operating costs, decrease commuting expenses for employees, and lower expenses related to childcare and other work-related costs. Less commuting would also mean reduced carbon emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.
However, doubts remain. According to the VILNIUS TECH researcher, many employees worry that a shorter workweek could result in longer working hours, and in some industries, implementing such a model could be particularly challenging.
*"In sectors like customer service, there are concerns about operational efficiency and potential disruptions. Meanwhile, industries such as healthcare, emergency services, and retail require continuous presence.
There will always be opponents, and some of their arguments are valid. However, by assessing each case individually, businesses can find solutions that work for both employers and employees, ensuring optimal results,"* concludes Prof. Dr. V. Davidavičienė.
