The idea of a four-day workweek has moved from fringe experiment to mainstream policy debate across Europe. Triggered by the pandemic's rethink of workplace norms, the concept is simple: employees work 80% of the time, keep 100% of their pay, and maintain—or even boost—productivity. Advocates argue it improves work-life balance, reduces burnout, and can attract talent in tight labour markets.
Trade unions in several countries are pushing governments to legislate, and a growing number of pilot projects are testing the model in real workplaces. Here's a look at where Europe stands.
Belgium: the legal pioneer
Belgium became the first European country to legislate for a four-day week. In February 2022, employees won the right to compress their full-time hours into four days instead of five, without any loss of salary. The law took effect on 21 November 2022, giving workers the choice to work four or five days per week.
However, this is not a reduction in total hours—it's a reorganisation. Those who opt in often work longer days, and not all roles, such as shift work, can adapt. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo framed the change as a way to make the country's labour market more flexible and dynamic. "The goal is to give people and companies more freedom to arrange their work time," he said. "If you compare our country with others, you'll often see we're far less dynamic."
Belgium's employment rate for 20-64 year-olds was about 71% in late 2021, below the eurozone average of 73% and ten points behind neighbours like the Netherlands and Germany. The government hopes the reform will help reach an 80% employment rate by 2030, a target seen as vital for keeping pensions affordable.
Germany: a six-month experiment
Germany, which already has one of Europe's shortest average workweeks at 34.2 hours, launched a new pilot on 1 February. Forty-five companies are taking part in a six-month trial led by Berlin-based consultancy Intraprenör and the non-profit 4 Day Week Global. The initiative is limited to firms where a shorter week is feasible.
The motivation is partly demographic: Germany faces a severe labour shortage, and a shorter week could make jobs more attractive. A Forsa survey found that 71% of German workers would like the option to work four days, and 75% believe it would be beneficial for employees. Among employers, 46% said they could see trialling it in their own workplace.
Whether the federal government will legislate remains uncertain. The pilot's results, due later this year, will be closely watched.
Portugal: a government-backed trial
Portugal joined the trend in June 2022 with a government-funded pilot involving 39 private companies, run in partnership with 4 Day Week Global. The model is the "100:80:100" formula—full pay for 80% of the time, in exchange for a commitment to maintain 100% productivity.
Portugal has one of the longest workweeks in the OECD, with 72% of employees working over 40 hours. The trial, overseen by researchers from the Universities of London and Reading, aims to see if a shorter week can improve well-being without hurting output.
United Kingdom: early success
The UK ran the largest pilot to date, involving 61 companies and over 3,300 employees from June 2022. Researchers from Cambridge and Oxford universities found that most firms reported sustained or improved productivity, and many have made the four-day week permanent. The experiment was described as "extremely successful" by participants.
While the UK is not in the EU, its results are influencing debates across the continent.
Challenges and the road ahead
Not everyone is convinced. Critics point out that compressing hours can lead to burnout, and that not all sectors can adopt the model. In Belgium, some workers have opted out because longer days are impractical. In Germany, the pilot is limited to adaptable workplaces, and the national government has not committed to legislation.
Still, the momentum is real. Trade unions in several countries are calling for broader adoption, and the European Commission has shown interest in work-life balance policies. As more data emerges from these trials, the four-day week may shift from experiment to expectation.
For now, the continent is watching Germany's pilot closely—its outcome could shape policy in Berlin and beyond. Meanwhile, the FIRE movement among young Europeans reflects a broader desire for a different relationship with work.
