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.
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 learn more with Norway’s 4 Day Week Global Country Partner.
