20 Essential 4-day Workweek Statistics [2026]: Benefits + Revenue

Research Summary: The traditional five-day workweek has been a staple for decades, but the four-day workweek is gaining traction due to its numerous advantages. From enhanced work-life balance to cost savings for businesses, this article delves into the key facts surrounding the four-day workweek in 2026. Based on our in-depth research:

• Only 5% of Americans currently work four days per week.

• Adopting a four-day workweek can boost productivity by 20%.

• Employees experience a 27% reduction in stress levels when transitioning to a four-day workweek.

• Implementing a four-day workweek can lead to an increase in company revenue by approximately 1.4%.

For further insights, we have categorized the data into the following sections:
Benefits | Employee Opinions | Company Opinions

Benefits of a 4-day Workweek

The adoption of a four-day workweek presents numerous benefits, not just for employees but also for employers. Here are some significant advantages:

• A four-day workweek can reduce electricity bills by 20%.

  This translates to an average savings of $132 per month, or $1,584 annually, providing substantial financial relief for small businesses.

• 71% of companies believe a four-day workweek aids in attracting and retaining employees with caregiving responsibilities.

  This arrangement significantly benefits employees caring for children or elderly relatives, making the extra day off a compelling incentive.

• 57% of employees would pursue additional skills outside of work.

  With an extra day off, many employees are motivated to enhance their skills, resulting in a more capable workforce.

• Switching to a four-day workweek can reduce a company’s carbon footprint by up to 17.2%.

  Research indicates that a 10% reduction in work hours can decrease a company’s carbon emissions by 8.6%, leading to even greater reductions with a four-day schedule.

• Companies transitioning from a five to a four-day workweek observe an average 34% revenue increase year-over-year.

  This significant growth can translate to substantial financial gains for businesses.

• Only 23% of employees on a four-day workweek report feeling burnt out.

  In comparison, 26% of five-day workers and 38% of six-day workers experience burnout regularly.

  Employee Wellbeing By Number of Days Worked

  Workweek	Engaged	Disengaged	Positive wellbeing	Always burnt out
  4-day	38%	17%	63%	23%
  5-day	38%	12%	57%	26%
  6-day	36%	17%	56%	38%

Employee Opinions on 4-day Workweeks

Employees overwhelmingly favor four-day workweeks for various reasons. Here’s how they feel about this innovative work schedule:

• 78% of employees express greater satisfaction with a four-day workweek.

  In addition, 73% say it enhances their overall happiness in both their personal and professional lives.

• 70% of employees report experiencing lower stress levels with a four-day workweek.

  Given that stress can significantly impact productivity and absenteeism, this reduction is crucial for overall workplace health.

• 65% of employees take fewer sick days with a four-day workweek.

  Improved well-being and reduced stress lead to fewer absences, benefiting both employees and employers.

• A four-day workweek enhances work-life balance by 45%.

  This increase is intuitive, as employees gain an average of 52 additional days off per year.

• 73% of employees assert that a four-day workweek boosts their productivity.

  Given the correlation between productivity and revenue, this is a significant advantage for organizations.

• 15% of employees on a four-day schedule state that no financial incentive would convince them to return to a five-day workweek.

Company Opinions on 4-day Workweeks

As demonstrated by the statistics, the four-day workweek offers many benefits for companies. Key considerations for businesses include:

• Over 85% of firms that trialed a four-day workweek plan to continue it.

  Among the 41 companies involved in the trial, 35 expressed they were likely or extremely likely to maintain this model post-study.

• 95% of participating companies reported improved productivity after transitioning to a four-day workweek.

  Of the 41 companies, 39 noted productivity enhancements, with six reporting significant increases (just under 15%).

• Concerns over condensed hours deter some companies from adopting a four-day workweek.

  While many studies indicate productivity gains, the challenge of fitting 35-40 hours into four days can lead to burnout if not managed carefully.

• 40% of companies had or planned to implement a four-day workweek by 2026.

4-day Workweek FAQ

1. What companies are experimenting with a 4-day workweek?

   More than 250 major companies in the U.S. are currently trialing a four-day workweek. Here are some notable examples:

   • Toshiba. This Japanese corporation has offered a four-day workweek since May 2020, allowing workers to complete 10-hour days for four days instead of 8-hour days for five.

   • Shopify. This company has been implementing seasonal four-day workweeks, granting employees every Friday off during summer months.

   • Basecamp. This organization has provided a four-day workweek during summer for over a decade, making them a pioneer in this initiative.

   • Amazon. In recent years, nearly one-third of Amazon job postings have featured a four-day workweek option, showcasing its growing acceptance among large firms.

   • Bolt. This company adopted a four-day workweek in 2022 following a successful trial in 2021.

   The list of companies adopting four-day workweeks continues to grow, reflecting a significant shift in workplace culture.

2. How effective is a 4-day workweek?

   A four-day workweek effectively reduces burnout while enhancing productivity. Here are a few key benefits:

   • 70% reduction in employee stress

   • 65% decrease in sick days and callouts

   • 73% of employees reporting heightened productivity

   • 34% revenue increase year-over-year for companies

   • 20% decrease in electricity costs and a 17% reduction in carbon footprint

   These figures highlight the effectiveness of the four-day workweek in fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.

3. What are the disadvantages of a 4-day workweek?

   While the four-day workweek has numerous advantages, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Challenges include:

   • Possible lack of customer support on days off

   • Scheduling conflicts for specific professions (e.g., educators)

   • Complications with full-time benefits

   • Reduced hours may be achievable without a formal four-day workweek

   • Benefits may diminish after the initial trial period

4. What are the top reasons for a 4-day workweek?

   Reasons for implementing a four-day workweek vary by organization, but common motivations include:

   • Increased productivity leading to higher revenue

   • Reduced employee burnout and turnover rates

   • Lower utility costs for companies

   • Enhanced morale and company culture

   • Better work-life balance for both employees and employers

Conclusion

As the four-day workweek gains traction, many companies are beginning to recognize its benefits. By 2026, 40% of organizations have adopted or are planning to implement some variation of this schedule.

Employees report a significant 70% decrease in stress, a 45% improvement in work-life balance, and 73% feel more productive under this model. For businesses, the potential 34% increase in year-over-year revenue makes this an attractive option.

While challenges exist, the advantages of a four-day workweek often outweigh the drawbacks. Companies are encouraged to explore innovative scheduling solutions to discover what works best for their workforce.

References

1. Gallup – Is the 4 Day Work Week a Good Idea?

2. Emburse – Here’s How Much A 4-Day Work Week Saves On Business Expenses

3. SHRM – Workers Seek to Upskill—With or Without Employers’ Help

4. BBC – The Climate Benefits of a Four-Day Workweek

5. USA Today – Employers Tried a 4-Day Workweek Program. Employees Said They Were Healthier and Happier.

6. Scientific American – A Four-Day Workweek Reduces Stress Without Hurting Productivity

7. WBUR – Could a Four-Day Work Week Work in the United States?

8. New York Times – 4-Day Workweek Brings No Loss of Productivity, Companies in Experiment Say

9. Change – The Pros and Cons of a 4 Day Working Week

10. CNBC – The Four-Day Workweek Is New Standard for 40% of Companies, EY Survey Finds

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.