German Companies Test 4-Day Work Week to Address Labor Shortage and Boost Productivity

Germany is facing a critical labor shortage, with 2 million vacant jobs. Companies are testing a 4-day work week to attract talent and boost productivity.

Over 600 employees across 31 companies are participating in a 6-month pilot program run by research organizations. The University of Münster will evaluate the trials.

Previous 4-day week trials saw gains like lower absenteeism and burnout. But they had flaws in data collection and sample sizes. The German study aims to collect more objective data.

The German experiment has flexible rules. Most companies cut hours by 10%, not a full day. Some concentrate hours over 4 days to allow 3 days off.

Advocates concede the 4-day week may not work for all sectors. But results, whether positive or negative, will further global understanding of the concept's viability.