As India considers incorporating 4-day workweeks, there's a lot to consider in terms of how this will affect the lifestyles we have created across the subcontinent.

Over the decades, we've seen Indian's who work extended hours, beyond the requirements on paper to get work done. Alongside the late hours, working on weekends has also become a norm in many organizations.

The current 4-day workweek proposal aims to maintain a 48-hour workweek, which translates to working 12 hours a day. How would this approach fit into our work culture? Are 12 hours of daily work a feasible route? And if so, how should companies change their management style?

Currently, Japan is also considering adopting a 4-day workweek model. A culture that values family and constant learning, Japan’s approach has been to create more time for both professional and personal growth by providing a 3-day weekend.

There are many similarities to be drawn between the Japanese and Indian work culture. Since the industrial revolution, we have both devoted massive hours of our daily lives to our 9-5 jobs. Working 12 hours a day is also typical in both countries.

The Asian work culture is not unknown to the west. While working on projects abroad, we feel restless about the limited number of hours we put in; yearning for more freedom to operate at our typical 55+ hours, irrespective of the industry or job type.

Until 2020, the focus on work-life balance was a taboo subject. It is the global movement of Remote Work and dire necessity to continue running the economy and businesses that forced companies to adapt to Working-From-Home, Coworking and now the Hybrid Work culture. Recent moves by governments in countries like Japan and India and open discussions around remote work have been a significant step in the direction. People now have higher expectations, and organizations are ready to create modern workplace practices and laws to suit our growing need.

More recently, Indian corporates such as Oyo & Zerodha have adopted the 4-day work week and we can’t wait to see how it tests out.

We hope the Indian Government, Indian Businesses and Start-ups are listening and weighing the pros and cons to consider 3-day weekends and remote work as a realistic option.

To get a better idea of the 4-day workweek, we're looking at ten countries that have adopted this concept and inspire us to have shortened workweeks with boosted productivity.

Denmark

Denmark tops the chart with their 4-day workweek. They work an average of 37.2 hours/week for full-time employees. The infrastructure and the policies that govern workforces are superior in Denmark. Danes are quite liberal, and maintain an exceptional quality of life while striving to ensure equality at the workplace. They follow a flat hierarchy system that emphasizes flexible work hours, focused on result-oriented work, and maintaining an open & collaborative work culture.

Netherlands

The Dutch country is not famous only for its capital Amsterdam, tulip's farms, cycling tracks and Van Gogh Museum. It is also second on the chart with 29 hours in a workweek for its full-time employees. The Dutch as a culture, emphasizes a lot on family importance. Flexi work time and remote working are typical in this culture.

Norway

Norway ranks as the 3rd best nation with an average of 37.5-hour workweek. Norwegians take pride in their healthy business work culture, and work flexibility goes a long way. The country also boasts ranking #1 in the world's happiest countries list, as ranked by the Human Development Index.

France

A full-time employee has a 35-hour workweek.

"Emily in Paris", gave us a great deal of motivation and a sneak peek into the French work culture.

Research proves that personal care and human interactions are given importance in French culture. No wonder the French emphasis on water-cooler conversations.

In France, employees begin their day with an hour long coffee break and spend 2 hours and more on lunch breaks during their workday along with co-workers and colleagues.

Germany

In Germany, the average workweek is 35 hours. A short work week, but one high on productivity and with excellent work-life balance.

Germans are focussed, diligent, and extremely committed to maintaining efficiency during work hours. They have clearly defined classification between work hours and personal hours.

A famous German quote is Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund meaning the early bird gets the worm or the morning hour has gold in its mouth.

This shows how much importance they give to: Time | Punctuality ⏳ To be Early, To be on Time

Belgium

The average workweek in Belgium for full-time employees is 38.8 hours. Belgium work culture enjoys a blend of German, French and Anglo-Saxion work ethic. Career and employee work satisfaction are taken very seriously. No wonder, Belgium work policies are exceedingly people focused.

Sweden

This Scandinavian country has an average of 39 hours in a workweek for full-time employees, ensuring excellent work-life balance.

You can be misjudged in this country if you do not take summer breaks and give yourself some personal & family time. Just like its neighbouring countries, this European country focusses on strengthening employee & team relationships through collective and leisure activities.

Finland

Even if the average work hours for a full-time employee is 39.3 hours, this Nordic country displays excellent work-life balance with long holidays and sensible work hours. The Finns value personal space, transparency, low-hierarchical structure, diversity, and equality at the workplace.

Italy

With 39.5 hours of full-time work week, Italy is one of the top countries with a short work week. This EU country continues to have traditional business work culture; hierarchy in the organization is stressed on. However, parallelly people are encouraged to multi-task and take good care of familial responsibilities.

Spain

A typical Spanish workweek is around 40 hours. Workplaces in Spain are social, and growing business relationships is appreciated, as they follow a traditional hierarchically structured organization model. Co-workers are encouraged to dedicate time to socialize and collaborate for team relationships. Hence, mealtimes are an essential part of the office ritual.

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Reference

Business Insider

Indian Express