The concept of a four-day workweek has long been debated, with strong anecdotal evidence supporting its effectiveness. The nation of Iceland provides one of the most compelling real-world examples.
Their journey began small in 2015 with initial trials involving about 2,500 workers; or, just under one percent of the population. These efforts have dramatically expanded, however, and today, nearly 90 percent of Icelandic workers have moved to a reduced work schedule, typically around 36 hours a week for full-time workers. What’s more, this shift has occurred without any negative impact on the economy. In fact, Iceland's society has seen significant benefits.