Work time reduction via a 4-day workweek finds improvements in workers' well-being
Wen Fan1, Juliet B Schor2, Orla Kelly3
1Department of Sociology, Boston College, Boston, MA, USA. wen.fan@bc.edu.
Nature Human Behaviour
|July 21, 2025
Summary
A 4-day workweek, with no pay cut, significantly boosts employee well-being. This study shows improvements in job satisfaction, mental and physical health, and reduced burnout for workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Organizational Psychology
- Sociology of Work
Background:
- Working hours are a critical factor influencing employee well-being and various life aspects.
- The traditional 5-day workweek model is being re-evaluated for its impact on modern workforces.
- Understanding the effects of reduced working hours on employee health is crucial for organizational development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a 4-day workweek intervention on employee well-being.
- To analyze changes in burnout, job satisfaction, mental health, and physical health.
- To identify key factors mediating the relationship between a 4-day workweek and well-being.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month trial of an organization-wide 4-day workweek (no pay reduction) was implemented across 141 organizations.
- Pre- and post-trial data were collected from 2,896 employees in multiple countries.
- A control group of 12 companies was used for comparison.
Main Results:
- Employees reported significant improvements in burnout, job satisfaction, mental health, and physical health.
- These improvements were not observed in the control companies.
- Reduced work hours, particularly individual-level reductions, correlated with greater well-being gains.
- Improved work ability, reduced sleep problems, and decreased fatigue mediated the positive effects.
Conclusions:
- Income-preserving 4-day workweeks are an effective strategy for enhancing employee well-being.
- The intervention leads to measurable improvements in key health and job satisfaction indicators.
- This model offers a viable alternative for improving working conditions and workforce health.
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