The four-day workweek spreads globally—but will it last?

The push for a four-day workweek is gaining speed across the globe. Rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions have forced governments to rethink traditional working hours. Some nations have already made the shift, though experts warn the change may not suit every job or last in the long run.

The idea of a shorter workweek first took hold in Asia before spreading elsewhere. Now, at least five countries have officially adopted it—each for different reasons. Sri Lanka shut public offices, schools, and universities every Wednesday to conserve fuel. Pakistan did the same for state workers, pairing the move with energy rationing and school closures. The Philippines ordered government agencies to follow suit and restricted business travel to cut costs.

Belgium legally allowed a four-day week in 2022, though uptake remains low at just 0.5%. Workers there can choose between reduced pay or longer daily hours. Iceland, meanwhile, has seen over half its workforce switch to shorter hours at full pay since 2023, citing better work-life balance.

The latest push comes as governments urge remote work to save energy, partly due to the Middle East conflict. Yet high energy prices may not stay permanent, making long-term changes harder to defend. Critics also argue the shift could create inequality—office staff might benefit, while those in manual or customer-facing roles could struggle.

Experts remain divided on whether Western nations can adopt the model quickly. Some doubt companies will commit to permanent restructuring, even as the global debate grows louder.

The four-day workweek is already in place in several countries, driven by energy crises and labour reforms. Its future depends on whether cost savings and worker well-being outweigh the challenges for certain industries. For now, the experiment continues—but its staying power remains uncertain.