In an experiment that may reshape the future of work, Germany recently wrapped up a six-month trial of the four-day workweek and the results are resounding. An impressive 73% of participating companies now say they have no intention of returning to the traditional five-day grind.
The trial, which began in February 2024, was led by the nonprofit Four Day Week Global and involved 45 companies from sectors including tech, finance, and manufacturing. The idea was simple but revolutionary: under the “100-80-100” model, employees received 100% of their pay for working 80% of the time, provided they delivered 100% of the output.
This wasn’t just about letting people clock out early on Fridays. It was a rethinking of what work looks like in the 21st century.
Many feared that shaving a full day off the workweek would mean a drop in productivity. But the opposite happened. With fewer hours to waste, companies streamlined their operations. Redundant meetings were scrapped. Workflow systems were upgraded. Teams got sharper and more focused. A Berlin-based manufacturing firm reported that by leaning into automation and rethinking their processes, they actually saw production delays vanish.
Even more striking was the impact on employees. Surveys showed that 90% felt an improvement in their overall well-being. Less stress, more time for family and personal growth, and a sense of autonomy contributed to a better work-life balance. A whopping 83% of employees expressed a desire to stick with the four-day format for good.
One of the reasons the trial succeeded was its flexibility. There was no rigid mold. Some companies offered staggered days off, others implemented 4.5-day structures, and some limited the model to specific departments. The German Employers’ Association supported this adaptive approach, encouraging each business to tailor the change in collaboration with their employees.
Of course, the model isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. Some companies opted out after the trial, citing financial constraints or operational limitations. And since the companies that participated volunteered to be part of the experiment, the results may not yet reflect the feasibility of such a shift across Germany’s entire economy. Still, the findings have sparked a serious conversation.
Germany’s experiment adds to growing global momentum around rethinking work. As burnout rates rise and younger generations demand better work-life integration, the four-day workweek is gaining traction, not as a perk, but as a new standard.
The future of work is no longer about how long we sit at our desks. It’s about how smartly we use our time and Germany just proved that less can truly be more.
