Photo: Frugal Flyer | Unsplash
Iceland’s experiment began in 2015 with a pilot program involving about 2,500 workers, roughly 1% of the country’s workforce. This small-scale trial exceeded expectations, with 86% of participants voicing their support. Thanks to its success, the program became official in 2019. Today, nearly 90% of Icelandic workers enjoy a reduced workweek of 36 hours, down from the previous 40, with no loss in pay. This experiment demonstrates that the four-day workweek isn’t just viable—it can offer significant benefits for both workers and society at large. By putting individual well-being at the forefront, Iceland has created a more sustainable and humane work model. As we look to the future, this experiment could very well inspire other countries to rethink their relationship with work, showing that a change in mindset, like the one driven by Generation Z, is not only possible but desirable. The success of Iceland proves that the predictions made by Gen Z about work-life balance are not utopian, but rather a practical blueprint for a healthier future.
|
|
More:
