The way we work is constantly changing, influenced by technological advances, socio-cultural changes and new management approaches. One of the most exciting and promising developments in this area is the introduction of the 4-day week. This model aims to reduce working hours without reducing productivity and at the same time increase employee well-being.

The executive summary of the study is now available. This presents the most important study results. You can also find it --> HERE in PDF format <--

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Professor Julia Backmann and her team at the University of Münster are conducting a scientific study on the effects of this working time model. They are focussing on the effects on productivity, satisfaction and the general well-being of employees. Their research could be groundbreaking for companies, governments and other organisations considering changing their employees' working time models. The University of Münster research project utilises a multi-faceted approach to data collection that includes both quantitative and qualitative methods. This methodology enables a detailed picture of the impact of the 4-day week to be developed.

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1) Tracking data: Interested participants will be given a fitness tracker that will record physiological data such as heart rate, activity levels and sleep quality for the duration of the pilot. This data will help to understand the impact of the 4-day week on employees' physical wellbeing.

2) Hair samples: To investigate the physical impact of the 4-day week, hair samples will be taken to measure cortisol levels as an indicator of stress levels. These samples will be analysed before and after the introduction of the model.

3) Quantitative surveys: Participants will receive personalised links to online surveys that will be conducted at the beginning, middle and end of the pilot project. These surveys will collect data on factors such as wellbeing, stress levels, satisfaction, work performance and energy consumption.

4) Qualitative interviews: In addition to the surveys, interviews will be conducted to gain deeper insights into employees' personal experiences and attitudes towards the 4-day week. These interviews are transcribed anonymously and serve to better understand the subjective perceptions and challenges of the participants.

The data from the first phases of the study so far indicate that the 4-day week not only improves the well-being of employees, but also has a positive impact on productivity. Although the final results are still pending, the findings so far provide valuable information on how the world of work can be made fairer, more efficient and more people-centred.

Companies that choose to participate in the study will not only benefit from the latest research findings, but will also receive a personalised report to help them apply the results in practice and optimise their own working time models.

These media have already reported on the 4-day week pilot project in Germany (link to the respective reports provided)