In Norway, many already finish work at 3 PM, yet people still suffer from burnout and stress. The 4-day workweek is now seen as the solution, a principle that Generation Z has high hopes for.
Norway is considered one of the countries where living and working are said to be the best. On the Human Development Index, Norway has held a top position for years and is currently (March 2026) in second place, directly behind Iceland.
Norway, like many Northern European countries, relies on a special working time model: The “Swedish” model is characterized by high flexibility, flat hierarchies, and a strong focus on work-life balance, often with an emphasis on shorter working hours (via Zeit.de).
Yet, despite potentially working less than they need to and many finishing work at 3 PM, despite an official 40-hour workweek, people complain about similar issues as we do: burnout, exhaustion, and the desire to quit their job for more free time. 4 Day Global reports on this, an organization that advocates for the 4-day workweek worldwide:
- The figures indicate 2.2 million absentee days per quarter, of which about 25% are attributed to exhaustion, burnout, and other work-related disturbances.
- 27% of Norwegians are considering quitting their job to have more time for their family and personal life.
The “solution” to these problems is now hoped to be found in the introduction of the 4-day workweek. A working time model, which is said to represent the solution to many problems for many young people of Generation Z.
4-Day Workweek as a Solution for Burnout, Stress, and Resignations?
The “solution” to these problems is now hoped to be found in the introduction of the 4-day workweek. In the fall of 2024, a pilot study on the 4-day workweek began in Norway. In the fall of 2026, the planning phase is set to commence in collaboration with 4 Week Global, during which pilot participants will receive advice and support to achieve a sustainable transition to a shortened workweek.
The goal of the shortened workweek in Norway is to reduce participants’ working time by 20% while maintaining the quality of work: that is, less working time with the same work quality.
The principle behind it is the so-called 100-80-100 model: Employees continue to receive 100% of their salary while only working 80% of their working hours, yet they maintain 100% productivity. Thus, more output in less time.
The organization 4 Week Global hopes to gain data and information from the project for the “search for a more sustainable and fulfilling working life for all.” Essentially, the organization states that any company could participate in the project and would then receive help accordingly.
However, it can also be exactly the opposite: Instead of the 4-day workweek, work 6 days a week. This has now been implemented in Greece. Critics view this with concern and are already warning of fatigue and higher health costs for employees. Moreover, longer working hours do not necessarily mean higher performance: While Germany is still discussing the 4-day workweek, one European country has started the 6-day workweek.
