The standard five-day workweek has been a fixture of modern life for over a century, but it’s increasingly being questioned. What if we flipped the script and worked only four days each week without adding hours to the remaining days? Would we accomplish less, or would we find ways to work smarter, not harder?

This idea, often referred to as the four-day workweek, has gained traction in recent years as companies and individuals alike explore whether less time at work could actually lead to greater productivity, efficiency, and well-being. Let’s dive into the potential impact of reducing the workweek by 20%.

Would Productivity Drop by 20%?

At first glance, it seems logical to assume that fewer hours worked would mean less output. But research and experiments suggest otherwise. Studies from companies that have piloted the four-day workweek show that many employees actually maintain or even increase their productivity despite the reduced hours.

The reason? Constraints often breed efficiency. When we know we have less time to complete our work, we tend to:

  • Cut out wasted time: Meetings that drag on, unnecessary emails, and non-essential tasks often get trimmed when time is at a premium.
  • Focus more effectively: A shorter week can sharpen focus, making people more intentional with their work hours.
  • Prioritize better: Knowing there’s one less day to get things done forces individuals to identify and tackle the most critical tasks first.

However, this doesn’t happen automatically. Success depends on a combination of workplace culture, individual accountability, and effective time management.

What About the Threat of Losing That Extra Day?

Now imagine that this extra day off came with a condition: If productivity dropped, the day off would be revoked. Would this change how people work? Likely, yes.

The fear of losing a benefit often motivates people to protect it. In this scenario, employees or self-employed individuals might work even harder to ensure they are just as productive in four days as they were in five. Knowing there’s a reward tied to efficiency—an extra day to spend with family, pursue hobbies, or simply relax—creates a powerful incentive to streamline workflows and eliminate distractions.

How the Four-Day Workweek Could Change Everything

For Companies

Companies that have adopted a four-day workweek often report benefits that extend beyond productivity:

  • Improved employee satisfaction: Workers with more time to rest and recharge are generally happier and less likely to burn out.
  • Better talent retention: Offering a shorter workweek is a competitive advantage when attracting and retaining top talent.
  • Healthier work culture: Employees who feel trusted to manage their time often respond with greater loyalty and engagement.

For Individuals

For self-employed individuals, the benefits of a four-day week could be transformative. An extra day off provides:

  • Time for personal growth: A day to learn new skills, pursue passions, or focus on personal well-being.
  • Work-life balance: With one less workday, there’s more time to spend with family, engage in hobbies, or simply decompress.
  • Higher energy levels: Less time spent working can mean returning to tasks with more energy and focus.

The Catch: It’s Not for Everyone

While the four-day workweek has clear potential, it might not work universally. Jobs that require on-site presence, customer service availability, or continuous operations (e.g., healthcare, retail) may face challenges. Implementing such a change would require careful planning, coordination, and perhaps even a societal shift in expectations around work and availability.

So, Would It Work?

The answer depends on the individual, the workplace, and the industry. But in many cases, the evidence suggests that we wouldn’t be 20% less productive. Instead, we’d likely find ways to adapt, becoming more efficient and intentional with our time. And if there’s a condition that productivity must be maintained to keep the day off? That added incentive could make us even more determined to work smarter.

Ultimately, the real question isn’t whether we’d get the same amount of work done in four days—it’s whether our lives would be richer and more fulfilling with that extra day off. For many, the answer would undoubtedly be yes.