These Places Already Tried a 32-Hour Workweek. Here's What Happened.

A proposal to make the 32-hour workweek the new federal standard is resurfacing on Capitol Hill. Senators Bernie Sanders and Representative Mark Takano introduced legislation that would lower the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours, while safeguarding workers' pay and benefits. The senator argued that the shift would help alleviate stress and increase quality of life, given the growing wealth gap and automation's impact on jobs.

The idea of a four-day workweek is not entirely novel. Various countries have experimented with shorter working weeks, involving thousands of employees across numerous companies. Results have been mixed, but many employers have opted to retain reduced hours after trials concluded.

The United Kingdom hosted a significant trial in 2022, where 61 companies involving approximately 2,900 workers reduced their work hours for six months without cutting pay. Cambridge University researchers discovered that 71% of employees experienced reduced burnout, sick days decreased by 65%, and resignation rates dropped by 57%. Most participating firms decided to continue with the four-day week, with 56 out of 61 employers extending the policy after the trial.

Germany's 2024 trial involved 45 organizations across multiple sectors. Employers could structure reduced hours differently, but on average, employees worked four fewer hours per week. The trial showed stable turnover and profits, along with improved life satisfaction, sleep, and physical activity among staff. However, two large organizations left the trial due to economic issues or lack of internal support, and researchers did not observe a clear reduction in absenteeism.

Meanwhile, Portugal conducted a 2023 trial with 41 companies and over 1,000 workers. Using a mix of four-day weeks and nine-day fortnights, working hours dropped from roughly 41.6 hours to 36.5 hours weekly. Workers reported better mental and physical health, and 80% of managers believed the change was financially neutral. Although some difficulties arose, such as holiday scheduling and client demands, 21 companies in the coordinated portion of the pilot maintained the shorter working week.

Lower-income workers who had limited flexibility and resources valued the reduced timetable more, said Rita Fontinha, an associate professor of strategic human resources at Henley Business School in the U.K.

In South Africa, a 2023 trial involved 27 companies and one in Botswana. Employees maintained full pay while companies shortened hours and reorganized workloads. The trial resulted in a 57% reduction in burnout, 36% less fatigue, and 35% better mental well-being. Nearly all participating businesses planned to continue the model, although challenges arose when preparation was insufficient, policies were applied to specific teams, or senior managers continued working traditional schedules.