Germany’s landmark “100-80-100” pilot—100 % pay for 80 % hours and 100 % output—has delivered on its promise: after six months of live testing, 73 % of participating firms say they’ll stick with a four-day schedule.
Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to charity in just five years
Diamond batteries powered by nuclear waste promise 28,000 years of clean energy
A model that works
When Germany’s trial kicked off in late 2023, participants signed up for the “100-80-100” approach: full pay, 80 % of the hours, and 100 % of the output. Spearheaded by 4 Day Week Global, this scheme had already seen success in the UK and Spain. As a German HR manager quipped to me over coffee, “I was sceptical at first, but the figures speak for themselves.” Indeed, after six months of planning and another six of live testing, 73 % of firms confirmed they won’t revert to five-day stretches¹.
Flexible implementation for a modern workforce
Rather than mandating a Friday off, businesses experimented with staggered timetables. A Berlin-based tech start-up I visited alternates teams so that operations never stall, while a Stuttgart manufacturer opted for a 4½-day cycle, shifting hours to suit peak demand. This flexibility meant organisations could tailor schedules to their needs, making results applicable across sectors—from education to engineering.
Productivity holds steady, even improves
A common worry is that fewer hours would dent output, yet many companies maintained stable revenue and profit despite a 20 % reduction in working time¹. More than half reported modifying meeting structures to cut unnecessary gatherings, while 65 % reduced distractions and 63 % optimised processes².
Well-being on the rise
Participants reported significant reductions in stress—down by 89 minutes per week on average—and gained an extra 38 minutes of sleep³. Many organisations also noted improvements in recruitment and retention, suggesting happier teams stick around longer.
A signal for change
While some traditional employers remain cautious, most agree that ongoing dialogue between management and staff is key. A four-day week isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix, but it does underline the power of balance and efficiency in shaping tomorrow’s workplace.
Looking ahead
Germany’s trial offers a robust template for others eyeing shorter weeks. Its thorough design and broad company mix have generated insights that challenge age-old notions of the workweek. If these pioneering firms are any guide, a smarter, more humane schedule is no longer a distant dream but an emerging reality—and one hundreds more businesses may soon adopt.
Footnotes
-
Backmann J. et al. The 4-Day-Week in Germany: First Results of Germany’s Trial on Work Time Reduction. Intraprenör & University of Münster for 4 Day Week Global. https://help.4dayweek.com/hubfs/Germany_4DW_Report.pdf
-
Parisi, K. “World of HR: 73% of German companies that tried a four-day workweek will keep the schedule.” HR Brew, October 24, 2024. https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2024/10/24/world-of-hr-73-of-german-companies-that-tried-a-four-day-workweek-will-keep-the-schedule
-
4 Day Week Global. “Germany 4 Day Week Trial Results.” 4 Day Week Global. https://4dayweek.com/germany-2024-pilot-results