The Impact of the Four Day Work Week on Business Productivity, Employee Wellbeing, and Profitability: An international analysis of trials in Japan, New Zealand, Iceland and Ireland

Jaamac, Fardosa Daahir (2025) The Impact of the Four Day Work Week on Business Productivity, Employee Wellbeing, and Profitability: An international analysis of trials in Japan, New Zealand, Iceland and Ireland. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the four-day workweek on business productivity, employee welfare, and total profitability. With companies around the world coming under intense pressure to improve work-life balance and cut down on burnout, the four-day workweek has emerged as a possible big fix. This research project explores whether there are lower workweeks specifically, a five to four-day workweek that can not only achieve productivity levels or better, but also improve mental and physical health of employees, and profitability of the business without a reduction in pay. Based on global case studies in such countries as Iceland, the U.K and Spain, as well as survey data and interviews with business owners and employees, the research assesses the pros and cons of a shortened workweek. The key findings indicate that the 4-day model, if properly regulated, may bring higher satisfaction to personnel, a lower number of absences, and improved work. Nevertheless, reservations linger about scheduling, client desires, and industry-specific restrictions. The paper closes with recommendations for companies looking to make this conversion, highlighting appropriate sector and firm size specific strategies. Overall, the four-day workweek was a wonderful experience.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email MacDonald, Robert UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Hours of Labour H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work H Social Sciences > Economics > Microeconomics > Production (Economic theory) > Industrial productivity > Labor productivity H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Quality of Work Life / Job Satisfaction
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Business Studies
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	19 Mar 2026 13:59
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2026 13:59
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9181

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