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Last year, dozens of countries including Ireland, Spain and the UK tested a 4-day workweek, with overwhelmingly positive results. Businesses that participated said switching to a 4-day workweek improved productivity, morale and team culture. 

On the employee side, more personal time reduced burnout and boosted work-life harmony.

Although no country has fully adopted a 4-day workweek, some businesses are experimenting with one or have policies that allow workers to request a shorter schedule. 

In the UAE, the tech-telco e& Group is now testing the possibility of a four-day work week. The company, which already has a hybrid system in place for employees, allowing them to work remotely for a few days of the week, is piloting a four-day work week for employees across three departments in the UAE.

“We are thrilled to pilot this initiative. Just as we continuously innovate in our products and services, we also recognize the need to modernise workplace strategies,” said Dena Almansoori, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at e&. “What may have worked in the past may not be suitable for the future.”

The company already has a hybrid system in place for employees, allowing them to work remotely for a few days of the week. This comes with the intention of ‘focus[ing] on sustainability by reducing energy consumption in offices and carbon emissions through transportation.’

e& employees opting for the pilot test can take a three-day weekend Friday to Sunday.

For decades, the 4-day workweek was seen as a fringe concept that wouldn’t catch on — but now, it’s become a serious policy consideration for businesses struggling to combat burnout and retain employees. 

The share of companies offering a 4-day workweek benefit reached the 10% threshold for the first time last year, according to a report.