How can a 4-day working week increase wellbeing at no cost to performance?

Trends Cogn Sci. 2025 Jan;29(1):5-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2024.10.014. Epub 2024 Dec 2.

Abstract

The 4-day working week is gaining interest, with international trials reporting enhanced staff wellbeing and performance, despite spending less time on the job. Here, we argue that improved performance on a 4-day working week arises through two psychological mechanisms of recovery and motivation: because better rested, better motivated brains, create better work.

Keywords: 4-day working week; burnout; occupational psychology; productivity; sleep; working time reduction.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Motivation*
  • Work Performance