In 2019, Iceland made headlines by becoming one of the first countries in the world to embrace the four-day work week. This move wasn’t enforced through nationwide legislation but instead was achieved through agreements that allowed workers to negotiate shorter hours or reduced workweeks. Now, nearly six years later, it’s clear that this experiment was a success—and Gen Z’s predictions about the future of work have come true.
Initial Concerns: A World of Doubts
When Iceland first launched its pilot program in 2015, no one knew for sure how it would turn out. Roughly 2,500 workers, representing a little over 1% of the country’s workforce, participated in the initial trial. The world watched closely, skeptical about what would happen when people started working fewer hours. Would productivity take a hit? Would companies face rising costs? Would customer service suffer?
But the results were overwhelming. By 2019, after a successful pilot with 86% of workers expressing their satisfaction, the four-day work week became an official arrangement for most workers in Iceland. Today, nearly 90% of Icelanders now enjoy a reduced workweek of 36 hours—down from the traditional 40 hours—with no pay cuts.
Fears Erased: Productivity and Well-Being Soared
As we look back, those initial fears about the four-day work week seem almost laughable. Icelandic reports indicate that productivity either remained stable or even increased in certain sectors. One key reason? The positive impact on workers’ mental health. The younger generation, especially Gen Z, has been pushing for this kind of change for years, and Iceland’s success proves they were right all along.
The reduction in work hours has made a significant difference in stress levels and has helped workers achieve better work-life balance. It’s a game changer in terms of employee well-being, and the benefits are not just personal—they’re societal. By reducing work hours, Iceland has paved the way for a healthier, happier workforce.
Technology: The Unsung Hero of Iceland’s Success
One of the most important factors behind Iceland’s success with the four-day work week is its robust digital infrastructure. In contrast to some countries where technology has struggled to keep up with the pace of work changes, Iceland’s government made sure that its businesses and public services were digitally ready. This meant faster internet connections—especially in rural areas—that made remote work and telecommuting feasible. For Gen Z, who grew up in the digital age, adapting to this new mode of working was almost second nature. The transition was smoother than many anticipated.
Moreover, Iceland’s focus on gender equality played a significant role. By adopting a shorter workweek, more men had the opportunity to become more involved in household responsibilities and childcare, leading to a more balanced family life. This was a crucial aspect of the four-day work week: it didn’t just impact the office, it helped reshape social norms at home.
A Model for the World: Is Iceland’s Success Replicable?
The Icelandic experience is not just a national triumph but a potential blueprint for the rest of the world. According to many reports, Icelanders are now happier than ever, with more time for their families, hobbies, and friendships. There’s less stress from time constraints, and a significant shift in the overall quality of life.
María Hjálmtýsdóttir, an activist and teacher, shared her personal experience: “The reduction in work hours has been a huge success in Iceland and has changed my family’s life. For 90% of Icelanders, the 36-hour workweek means less stress, greater job satisfaction, and more time to enjoy life.”
Other countries have taken note. Germany, Portugal, Spain, and the UK are running pilot programs, and Belgium has implemented a four-day workweek with compensation for the extra hours worked. Though each country’s approach may vary slightly, Iceland’s success story serves as proof that the four-day workweek is not just a utopian dream but a realistic, effective model for modern economies.
A Change in the Air: The Future of Work Is Now
However, the benefits of a four-day workweek go beyond productivity and mental health. It’s a cultural shift that speaks to a broader rethinking of what it means to work in today’s world. The rise of digital technology, combined with a younger workforce prioritizing flexibility, means the traditional 9-to-5 grind is on the verge of extinction.
For Gen Z, whose values revolve around balance, health, and purpose, Iceland’s four-day work week is exactly what they’ve been advocating for. The results have validated their predictions, and now, the rest of the world is starting to take notes.
The shift is also proving that well-being and productivity aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, when workers feel better, they perform better. The data from Iceland shows that the future of work isn’t about longer hours or constant hustle—it’s about creating flexible, balanced environments that allow people to thrive, both in the office and outside it.
Iceland’s journey with the four-day work week is more than just a success story; it’s a blueprint for the future. The rest of the world is watching, and it’s clear that the changes Iceland has made are only the beginning. Gen Z’s vision for a healthier work culture is taking root, and it’s changing the way we think about work forever.
