In the post-pandemic world, working life has changed dramatically. Remote and hybrid models have made work-life balance a key priority for millions of people. As a result, several countries, including Türkiye, have experimented with a four-day working week. I believe this system can create strong benefits not only for employees but also for companies and even for society as a whole.
Firstly, a shorter workweek significantly improves workers’ well-being. Less working time means reduced stress and lower risk of burnout, especially in big cities like Istanbul where commuting is long and tiring. Employees have more time to rest, engage in hobbies, and spend with their families, which increases motivation and happiness. For example, my father works flexibly and always performs better compared to traditional schedules. However, in my previous job, even when tasks were completed, employees were forced to stay until the end of the day, which caused frustration rather than productivity.
Secondly, this model can be economically advantageous for employers. When workers feel refreshed, the number of mistakes drops and productivity improves. Job satisfaction also rises, which reduces turnover rates and helps companies save money. A good example is Aksa Akrilik in Türkiye: salaries remained the same but team spirit, efficiency and job applications increased sharply, while absenteeism decreased. Similarly, European pilots reported an 8% growth in company revenues.
Finally, the four-day system supports families, gender equality and sustainability. When people spend more time at home, men share housework more and women join the workforce more confidently. Studies also show a significant reduction in carbon emissions because employees commute less. Countries such as Spain, Germany and Belgium have already adopted pilot programmes with remarkable success.
In conclusion, a four-day working week creates healthier employees, more successful companies, happier families and a cleaner environment. For these reasons, Türkiye should consider applying this system, as it would contribute to a modern and positive work culture.