Does Norway have a 4 day work week?
Norway is trialling a 4 day work week in 2024 alongside other European countries as part of 4 Day Week Global’s 4 day work week trials.
Norway's journey to a 4 day working week.
In line with the global movement towards a shorter working week, in 2024, Norway will take a significant step towards a more sustainable working life.
The Rework AS, with founder Sarah Uldal at the helm, will, in close collaboration with 4 Day Week Global, lead the first Norwegian pilot study of a 4 day working week.
This initiative represents an important contribution to the international discussion about the future of working life.
How a 4 day work week can help Norway to fight a mental health epidemic
The figures describing the state of mental health in Norwegian working life today are ominous. Mental disorders accounted for almost 1.9 million lost days' work per quarter in 2023. This diagnosis group is increasing steadily and today accounts for 25% of the total sickness absence reported by doctors.
In addition, 27% report that they want to quit their job to improve their work-life balance. Employers, for their part, report difficulties in recruiting in a pressured labor market, and high costs linked to recruitment and turnover.
How a 4 day work week will be introduced in Norway
The Rework is a driving force behind a paradigm shift in Norwegian working life. The goal is to create a working life that provides room for flexibility, autonomy and freedom, and that taking care of people will always pay off for the company.
With curiosity, they challenge and change established norms and standards to make working life a fresher and nicer place to be. This is also the reason why they are now teaming up with 4 Day Week Global to pioneer the 4 day week in Norway.
4 Day Week Global's research from other countries documents that a reduction in workload can lead to lower turnover, increased productivity and better health and well-being among employees. This has great positive significance, both for the individual, the family, the company, and from a societal perspective.
This is Norway's first pilot study of a 4 day work week
In the autumn of 2024, Norway will start its first pilot study of a 4 day week. In the autumn, the planning phase starts where the pilot participants will receive guidance and support from The Rework and 4 Day Week Global to make a sustainable transition to a reduced working week.
The aim of the reduced working week in Norway is to reduce work-time by 20% for the participating companies using 4 Day Week Global’s 100-80-100™ principle.
Around Christmas time of 2024, the planning phase switches to a 4 day week pilot phase, which will last 6 months. Here, the Norwegian companies will be able to test their plans in practice and optimize their 4 day week.
Along the way, the 4 day work week pilot participants are closely followed by national and international researchers who will document the effect of shorter work hours on the employees and businesses, and ensure that Norway can also contribute to the global statistics for a 4 day work week.
A common goal in sight for Norway’s 4 day work week trial
The initiative to test the 4 day week in Norway is not only relevant for the Norwegian market, but also as part of the wider global discussion about the future of working life.
By sharing experiences and results from the 4 day work week pilot study, Norwegian companies are actively contributing to an international movement that seeks to redefine what it means to work.
This project emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing in the search for a more sustainable and satisfying working life for everyone.
If you are a Norwegian company interested in trialing a 4 day work week, or looking to reduce your work-time, you can connect with Norway’s 4 Day Week Global Country Partner, Sarah Uldal, here.
Register for the Norwegian pilot on The Rework here.
How can I contribute to the 4 day week movement?
So, how can we ensure the 4 day work week becomes routine over radical? We’re a non-profit organization looking to bring the 4 day week to as many people across the globe as possible. Our goal is to create a million years of new free time through 4 day week trials and transitions.
Would you like to sponsor us on this journey? Donate as little as $2 per month to become a part of this movement for a 4 Day World.
How can I improve my business with a 4 day week?
We offer support for businesses looking to make the shift to reduced-hour working in several ways:
1. Our Foundation Course
Our Foundation Course is designed for business leaders, consultants and entrepreneurs looking to understand how to implement a 4 day week in their organization, or to support the implementation of one in another organization.
We teach you through six video lecture modules, using the 100-80-100™ model.
2. Our Pilot Programs
We run 4 day week pilots using the 100-80-100™ principle across the globe. You can trial a 4 day week alongside other organizations in your geography. There are many pilots happening in various countries across the world.
Sign up here to register your interest in being a part of one of our pilots and we will let you know when the pilot in your country is kicking off! Alternatively, we have two global pilots happening in 2024, in March and September.
3. One-on-One Consulting
This is for larger organizations who want bespoke one-on-one support throughout the 4 day week planning and implementation process. We will provide you with world-leading experts in reducing working hours to help you on this journey.
