Non-profit organization 4 Day Week Global has conducted several pilot studies on the 4-day week worldwide with local support. Now Switzerland is joining in: The first pilot study will be launched this year in a collaboration between internationally active NGO 4 Day Week Global, Zurich-based consultancy Hailperin, and Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH). The first companies have already expressed their interest in taking part in this pioneering study.

Companies are increasingly facing the challenge of finding and retaining new employees in a competitive labor market. At the same time, companies are looking to increase productivity wherever they can. As a result, stress and strain are increasing, which can lead to absenteeism and high healthcare costs. One possible solution to this growing issue is the 4-day week. In countries such as Iceland and the UK, it has already been successfully introduced in many companies and has shown positive effects on productivity as well as the health and motivation of employees.

The non-profit organization 4 Day Week Global, the Zurich-based consultancy Hailperin, and Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) are conducting a pioneering study to investigate whether the 4-day week can also be a successful working model for the Swiss labour market. Together, they are conducting the 4 Day Week pilot. 

Is the introduction of the 4-day week feasible in Switzerland?  

This study aims to scientifically investigate the effects of the 4-day week on companies and their employees. It aims to show whether the 4-day week can also be successfully implemented in Swiss companies. In an initial phase, the participating companies will receive various tools, metrics and information and will be supported by experts from Hailperin Consulting. During the six-month test period, the participants will introduce the 4-day week, accompanied by researchers from the New Work Institute at Bern University of Applied Sciences. The 4-day week is understood as a reduction in working hours with the same salary.

Launch events in Zurich and Bern 

To gain an insight into the study and learn more about the potential benefits of the 4-day week, two information events will be held for interested parties:

April 10, 4-6 p.m. in Zurich, Karl der Grosse, Kirchgasse 14  

April 17, 4-6 p.m. in Bern, BFH Wirtschaft, Effingerstr. 47  

There will also be an opportunity to discuss the issue with experts and representatives of the trade unions and employees. There will be an opportunity for informal discussions over drinks afterwards.  

Further information and registration for the two events can be found on the website www.4-tagewoche.ch and LinkedIn. 

About 4 Day Week Global: 4 Day Week Global is a multinational coalition of businesspeople, academics, researchers and authors collaborating to make the productivity-focused flexible work model of the 21st century a reality. It is the culmination of the movement established after the successful 4-day week trial at New Zealand trustee company Perpetual Guardian.

About Hailperin: The Zurich-based consulting firm Hailperin supports organizations and companies in human-centered development. The focus here is on redesigning working methods so that employees can fully contribute and develop and profitability is optimized. One way of doing this is to support the introduction of the 4-day week.   

About Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH): Bern University of Applied Sciences is an application-oriented university that focuses on sustainable management, digitalization and entrepreneurial thinking and action. The New Work Institute at the Department of Business researches and teaches new forms of work and organization.  

About the 4 day week: The introduction of the 4-day week promises not only a better work-life balance for employees, but also potential benefits for companies, including increased productivity, improved employee retention and greater job satisfaction. 

For questions or interview requests, please contact:

Veit Hailperin  

Country Manager 4 Day Week Switzerland 

veit@hailperin.com