'Overwhelming success' | What Iceland's four-day work week trial could mean for HR

The biggest working trial of a four-day working week has been dubbed an ‘overwhelming success’ by researchers, according to reports published by The Independent.

According to reports, the trial of a four-day working week concept was tested out in Iceland, where more than one per cent of the working population, or 2,500 people, took part by cutting working hours to 35-36 hours with no reduction in pay.

Analysts from both Iceland and the UK have now stated that, due to the rise in productivity and wellbeing found in the trial, a four-day working week should now be tested in other geographic areas including the UK.

According to the Icelandic Trade Union Federations, which collectively negotiate wages and conditions for most Icelandic employees, many companies that took part in the trial have negotiated reduced working hours permanently as a result.