In 2019, Iceland made waves by becoming one of the first countries to officially endorse a four-day workweek. But rather than enforcing a strict national policy, Iceland allowed businesses and employees to negotiate reduced hours. Nearly six years later, it’s clear that the predictions made by Generation Z about the benefits of this new work structure weren’t just wishful thinking—they were right. The results have proven to be more transformative than many could have imagined.
Initial Concerns That Were Quickly Addressed
When Iceland first launched its four-day workweek experiment, many questioned whether productivity would suffer, if businesses would face higher costs, or if the quality of service would decrease. These concerns weren’t limited to Iceland—similar doubts spread globally. However, the initial results from the pilot program, which began in 2015 with 2,500 workers (about 1% of the workforce), put these worries to rest. By 2019, the program was expanded, with nearly 90% of Icelandic workers adopting the 36-hour workweek, without any loss in pay.
What surprised most people was that productivity didn’t decline. In fact, in some industries, it even increased. Workers reported a reduction in stress and a better work-life balance, which were important factors aligning with the goals of Generation Z. With more time for rest, relaxation, and family, employees saw tangible benefits in their mental health and overall well-being. It turns out, reducing hours might be a key to fostering healthier, happier employees.
Technology Plays A Key Role In Success
A crucial factor behind Iceland’s success was its investment in digital infrastructure. Iceland is known for having one of the best internet connections in the world, even in its remote areas. This robust digital framework allowed many workers to adapt to remote work and continue performing their duties while working fewer hours in the office.
For Generation Z, who grew up immersed in technology and digital communication, transitioning to a flexible workweek felt like second nature. They adapted seamlessly to remote work and helped others make the shift without major disruptions.
Iceland also showed a strong commitment to gender equality. The shorter workweek encouraged men to take on more household responsibilities, spending more time with their children and sharing domestic duties more equally. This led to a more balanced distribution of work at home and a shift in how family responsibilities were managed, highlighting how a flexible workweek can benefit society in multiple ways.
A Model For The World
The effects of the shorter workweek in Iceland have reached far beyond just the office. Many Icelanders now report a higher quality of life, with more time for leisure, family, and social activities. The reduction in stress from the traditional workweek has significantly increased overall happiness and fulfillment, both in personal and professional lives.
María Hjálmtýsdóttir, an activist and teacher, shared her thoughts: “The reduction of the workweek has been a huge success in Iceland. For 90% of us, the 36-hour workweek means less stress, more job satisfaction, and more time to enjoy life.”
Iceland’s experiment has inspired other countries, and pilot programs for a four-day workweek are now being tested in countries like Germany, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. While Belgium has passed legislation to allow a four-day week, workers are still required to make up for the lost hours by working longer days—limiting its broad appeal.
However, Iceland’s approach, which maintains full wages without requiring longer hours, has proven to be a more sustainable model. It has demonstrated that a shorter workweek can be both feasible and beneficial for society as a whole, and countries around the world are beginning to take notice.
The Future of Work
As Iceland’s success proves, a four-day workweek is not just a fad but a significant evolution in the way we think about work. It allows for a more humane approach to work-life balance, prioritizing human well-being over mere productivity. Iceland’s model puts health, happiness, and family time at the forefront, paving the way for a future in which work is seen as part of life, not all of life.
For Generation Z, who have been advocating for a better balance between work and personal life, Iceland’s decision is a victory. Their predictions about the future of work are no longer just hypothetical—they have become a living, breathing reality.
This shift in the work paradigm could change how we all approach our professional and personal lives. The Icelandic experiment is a testament to how innovative thinking and technological progress can bring about meaningful changes for workers, families, and entire nations. If this model continues to grow, we might just find that less really is more when it comes to work—and that it’s not just productivity that benefits, but our entire way of life.
