Nearly six years on, Iceland’s bold experiment with a four-day week has surpassed even its most optimistic forecasts. What started as a small pilot has blossomed into a nationwide standard—proving that shorter hours can boost productivity, well-being, and work-life harmony.

Initial concerns that were quickly addressed

I’ll never forget the scepticism in my office back in 2019—would cutting a day really maintain productivity? Iceland’s pilot blew those worries away. By keeping salaries intact for 36 hours instead of 40, companies reported stable or even improved output. Workers felt less stress, slept better, and even took fewer sick days. It turned out that more free time can fuel sharper focus on the job.

Technology plays a key role in success

Our remote-first generation thrives on seamless connectivity, and Iceland led the way by investing heavily in digital infrastructure—even in the remotest fjords. This allowed flexible schedules and home offices to become the norm, not the exception. As a tech consultant, I’ve seen first-hand how reliable broadband transforms productivity; for Icelanders, it was the difference between half-hearted trials and a full cultural shift.

A model for the world

Today, Icelanders enjoy more time for family, hobbies and self-care—all backed by research showing happier, healthier communities. Activist María Hjálmtýsdóttir sums it up: “Our 36-hour week is a game-changer—less burnout, more fulfilment.” Other nations are taking note, from Germany to the UK, but few have matched Iceland’s blend of productivity and well-being.

Iceland’s success proves that trimming the workweek isn’t just a pipe dream of youth culture—it’s a viable path to a more balanced, sustainable future of work. As Gen Z argued, less can truly be more.

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