Recently, Brazil’s proposal to reduce the 6×1 work schedule reignited a global debate: how can we rethink the relationship between work, productivity, and quality of life? This topic has been gaining momentum in various countries striving to adapt to the demands of a changing world.
In Europe, countries like Iceland and Spain have led the way with experiments in shorter workweeks, aiming to enhance workers’ well-being without compromising productivity. Iceland, for instance, conducted a study with four-day workweeks, yielding remarkable results: increased satisfaction, reduced stress, and stable (or even improved) efficiency at work.
Meanwhile, in Japan, a country known for its gruelling work culture, some companies are embracing practices that prioritise work-life balance, such as “three-day weeks” in specific sectors. These initiatives mark a cultural shift, where the focus is no longer on hours clocked in but on the quality of work delivered.
The hybrid work model has also emerged as a central point in this discussion. During the pandemic, companies worldwide discovered that remote work could be productive. However, the challenge now lies in establishing a healthy balance. For many, working from home brought flexibility but blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life—something these new proposals aim to address.
As more countries explore structural changes to the labour market, it’s vital to consider how these adjustments affect not only our economies but also our mental health, relationships, and how we use our time.
Are we moving towards a future where we work less but live more? Or is the perfect balance found in how we integrate work into our daily lives without letting it dominate?
While the answers are still unfolding, one thing is clear: the future of work has already begun, and it holds the potential to transform not just how we work but also how we live.
What would the perfect work schedule look like for you?
Share your ideas or your experience with the hybrid model.
