The 4-day week:
A viable path for the future of work in Portugal
In recent years, the debate on the four-day working week has gained traction in various global contexts, including Portugal. What once seemed like a revolutionary idea is turning out to be a pragmatic proposal, supported by scientific studies and pilot projects already tested by some companies in Portugal.
This article analyzes the potential impacts of the 4-day week, with a special focus on scientific evidence and the transformative potential of this change in the Portuguese context.
The 4-day week: A viable path for the future of work in Portugal
In recent years, the debate on the four-day working week has gained traction in various global contexts, including Portugal. What once seemed like a revolutionary idea is turning out to be a pragmatic proposal, supported by scientific studies and pilot projects already tested by some companies in Portugal.
This article analyzes the potential impacts of the 4-day week, with a special focus on scientific evidence and the transformative potential of this change in the Portuguese context.
Scientific foundations of the 4-day week
Several global studies and experiments have shown that a reduced working week can be highly beneficial. Research carried out in countries such as Iceland, the UK and New Zealand indicates that the 4-day week can not only maintain productivity levels, but even increase them. In particular, the study carried out in Iceland between 2015 and 2019, involving around 2,500 workers, concluded that productivity remained the same or improved in almost all cases, while workers' well-being saw a significant improvement.
Portugal is in a strategic position to lead the implementation of the 4-day week in Europe. With an economy increasingly focused on services and innovation, the country has the opportunity to redefine work for the better.
The pilot project involved 21 Portuguese companies
This is a measure that has been on the table since 2022 and which already had a pilot project led by the previous government. The experiment was carried out in partnership with the 4 Day Week Global Foundation, coordinated by Pedro Gomes, a professor at the University of London, and Rita Fontinha from the University of Reading. The Institute for Employment and Vocational Training was responsible for implementing and managing the program, which ran during the second half of 2023.
The four-day working week pilot project began in June 2023 and involved 21 private sector companies. The project lasted 6 months, with no pay cuts for the workers who took part in the program and no financial intervention from the state.
Most of the companies that tested the model extended the program
According to the final report released in June this year by the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), the majority of Portuguese companies that tried out the four-day working week extended the program for another 6 months. Only four of these companies decided to return to the previous working model. Of the remaining companies, 5 have opted to reduce the scale of the four-day week, 2 have kept the reduction to 36 hours but have given their workers Friday afternoon, 1 has started experimenting with the nine-day fortnight and 2 others will only reduce the working week during the summer months (June to August).
Structural changes are fundamental in the implementation of the 4-day week
According to coordinator Pedro Gomes, the project went better among companies that made more internal changes, namely in team management, the adoption of new technologies, among other structural changes. “The figures reflect this essential condition in the companies that were successful: you need a big change in the organization of work. The more changes, the better it goes operationally and then the companies feel they can maintain the same service, the workers are happier and don't want to go back.”
Opportunities for Portugal
By adopting the 4-day week, Portugal can improve the quality of life of its workers, increase its global competitiveness and contribute to environmental sustainability goals.
Studies show that in countries where the 4-day week has been tested, there has been an improvement in employee satisfaction, a reduction in absenteeism and a greater ability to attract and retain talent. These factors are essential for Portugal, which is facing demographic challenges and the need to retain young talent in the job market.
Advantages and benefits of the four-day week
According to the report of the pilot project carried out in Portugal, the advantages include increased attractiveness for employers in the labor market, improved team functioning and creative work, reduced absenteeism, a clear drop in exhaustion and wear and tear, and a better balance between work, family and personal life. Around 93% of workers would like to continue in this format, the final report reveals.
Other benefits proven by scientific studies:
1. Sustained and Increased Productivity
One of the strongest arguments in favor of the 4-day week is the increase in productivity. Studies suggest that reducing the number of working days can force greater efficiency in the hours worked. More motivated and rested workers tend to be more focused and efficient, eliminating time wasted on distractions and increasing focus on essential tasks.
2. Mental health and well-being:
Social science demonstrates a direct link between work-life balance and mental health. The 4-day week offers workers more time for personal activities, leisure and rest, resulting in a significant reduction in stress levels and burnout. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that better working conditions are correlated with a reduction in mental illness, suggesting that this model could have long-term positive impacts on public health.
3. Innovation and Creativity:
Reducing working hours can also promote an environment that is more conducive to innovation. Studies in organizational psychology indicate that adequate breaks and free time stimulate creativity and problem-solving, crucial factors for the development and competitiveness of companies. In Portugal, this can be an important differentiator in an increasingly competitive global market.
4. Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
Fewer working days result in less travel, significantly reducing carbon emissions. In addition, companies can reduce their consumption of resources such as energy, paper and other materials, aligning themselves with the sustainability goals that are gaining importance in Portugal and the European Union.
5. Challenges and Implementation Strategies:
Although the benefits are clear, the transition to a 4-day week is not without its challenges. However, an approach based on evidence and social science can help mitigate these obstacles.
6. Specific Sectors and Adaptability:
While implementation in sectors such as technology and financial services can be relatively straightforward, areas such as health, education and emergency services require more creative strategies. Studies suggest that solutions such as team rotation and flexible schedules can help maintain the continuity of essential services, without compromising the benefits of the 4-day week.
7. Training and development:
Adapting to a shorter working week requires a change of mindset and new skills, particularly in time management and work organization. Investing in ongoing training and development programs can ensure that workers and managers are prepared to maximize efficiency in this new model.
8. Supportive public policies:
The implementation of the 4-day week benefits from a regulatory framework that encourages experimentation and innovation. Public policies that offer tax incentives or financial support for companies adopting this model can accelerate its adoption, promoting a smooth and successful transition.
The 4-day week is not just a futuristic idea; it is a real possibility, supported by a growing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates its multiple benefits. For Portugal, this is a golden opportunity to lead a new era in the world of work, where productivity, innovation and well-being go hand in hand. With a science-based approach and careful implementation, the 4-day week can be a catalyst for a more sustainable, balanced and prosperous future for all.
Andreia Arenga
04.09.2024
Scientific foundations of the 4-day week
Several global studies and experiments have shown that a reduced working week can be highly beneficial. Research carried out in countries such as Iceland, the UK and New Zealand indicates that the 4-day week can not only maintain productivity levels, but even increase them. In particular, the study carried out in Iceland between 2015 and 2019, involving around 2,500 workers, concluded that productivity remained the same or improved in almost all cases, while workers' well-being saw a significant improvement.
Portugal is in a strategic position to lead the implementation of the 4-day week in Europe. With an economy increasingly focused on services and innovation, the country has the opportunity to redefine work for the better.
The pilot project involved 21 Portuguese companies
This is a measure that has been on the table since 2022 and which already had a pilot project led by the previous government. The experiment was carried out in partnership with the 4 Day Week Global Foundation, coordinated by Pedro Gomes, a professor at the University of London, and Rita Fontinha from the University of Reading. The Institute for Employment and Vocational Training was responsible for implementing and managing the program, which ran during the second half of 2023.
The four-day working week pilot project began in June 2023 and involved 21 private sector companies. The project lasted 6 months, with no pay cuts for the workers who took part in the program and no financial intervention from the state.
Most of the companies that tested the model extended the program
According to the final report released in June this year by the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), the majority of Portuguese companies that tried out the four-day working week extended the program for another 6 months. Only four of these companies decided to return to the previous working model. Of the remaining companies, 5 have opted to reduce the scale of the four-day week, 2 have kept the reduction to 36 hours but have given their workers Friday afternoon, 1 has started experimenting with the nine-day fortnight and 2 others will only reduce the working week during the summer months (June to August).
Structural changes are fundamental in the implementation of the 4-day week
According to coordinator Pedro Gomes, the project went better among companies that made more internal changes, namely in team management, the adoption of new technologies, among other structural changes. “The figures reflect this essential condition in the companies that were successful: you need a big change in the organization of work. The more changes, the better it goes operationally and then the companies feel they can maintain the same service, the workers are happier and don't want to go back.”
Opportunities for Portugal
By adopting the 4-day week, Portugal can improve the quality of life of its workers, increase its global competitiveness and contribute to environmental sustainability goals.
Studies show that in countries where the 4-day week has been tested, there has been an improvement in employee satisfaction, a reduction in absenteeism and a greater ability to attract and retain talent. These factors are essential for Portugal, which is facing demographic challenges and the need to retain young talent in the job market.
Advantages and benefits of the four-day week
According to the report of the pilot project carried out in Portugal, the advantages include increased attractiveness for employers in the labor market, improved team functioning and creative work, reduced absenteeism, a clear drop in exhaustion and wear and tear, and a better balance between work, family and personal life. Around 93% of workers would like to continue in this format, the final report reveals.
Other benefits proven by scientific studies:
1. Sustained and Increased Productivity
One of the strongest arguments in favor of the 4-day week is the increase in productivity. Studies suggest that reducing the number of working days can force greater efficiency in the hours worked. More motivated and rested workers tend to be more focused and efficient, eliminating time wasted on distractions and increasing focus on essential tasks.
2. Mental health and well-being:
Social science demonstrates a direct link between work-life balance and mental health. The 4-day week offers workers more time for personal activities, leisure and rest, resulting in a significant reduction in stress levels and burnout. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that better working conditions are correlated with a reduction in mental illness, suggesting that this model could have long-term positive impacts on public health.
3. Innovation and Creativity:
Reducing working hours can also promote an environment that is more conducive to innovation. Studies in organizational psychology indicate that adequate breaks and free time stimulate creativity and problem-solving, crucial factors for the development and competitiveness of companies. In Portugal, this can be an important differentiator in an increasingly competitive global market.
4. Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
Fewer working days result in less travel, significantly reducing carbon emissions. In addition, companies can reduce their consumption of resources such as energy, paper and other materials, aligning themselves with the sustainability goals that are gaining importance in Portugal and the European Union.
5. Challenges and Implementation Strategies:
Although the benefits are clear, the transition to a 4-day week is not without its challenges. However, an approach based on evidence and social science can help mitigate these obstacles.
6. Specific Sectors and Adaptability:
While implementation in sectors such as technology and financial services can be relatively straightforward, areas such as health, education and emergency services require more creative strategies. Studies suggest that solutions such as team rotation and flexible schedules can help maintain the continuity of essential services, without compromising the benefits of the 4-day week.
7. Training and development:
Adapting to a shorter working week requires a change of mindset and new skills, particularly in time management and work organization. Investing in ongoing training and development programs can ensure that workers and managers are prepared to maximize efficiency in this new model.
8. Supportive public policies:
The implementation of the 4-day week benefits from a regulatory framework that encourages experimentation and innovation. Public policies that offer tax incentives or financial support for companies adopting this model can accelerate its adoption, promoting a smooth and successful transition.
The 4-day week is not just a futuristic idea; it is a real possibility, supported by a growing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates its multiple benefits. For Portugal, this is a golden opportunity to lead a new era in the world of work, where productivity, innovation and well-being go hand in hand. With a science-based approach and careful implementation, the 4-day week can be a catalyst for a more sustainable, balanced and prosperous future for all.
Andreia Arenga
04.09.2024
