The four-day work week reduces stress, according to a German study

The four-day work week reduces stress and slightly increases employee productivity, concluded a German study released this Friday and coordinated by the University of Münster.

Forty-one German companies participated for six months in a program to reduce working time or establish a four-day work week, a historic request from the unions of this European country.

The University of Münster, in western Germany, and the international program “4 Day-Week Global” coordinated the project.

According to the results of the study, The four-day week “significantly” improves the mental and physical health of employees.

For six months, workers’ health was monitored through smart watches, hair samples and a self-assessment.

The result of the research “contradicts the idea that having the same workload, with fewer hours, could increase stress,” the study notes.

In addition to suffering less stress, Employees who work four days exercise more and sleep an average of 38 minutes more each week.

These “positive effects” on health can help “reduce absenteeism in the long term,” the researchers estimate.

Respondents also consider themselves to be slightly more productive, although the study is cautious on this issue and points out some limits.

For example, it has not been demonstrated that the four-day week increases the profits of companies.reduce sick leave or carbon footprint.

After the trial, 39% of companies decided to implement the four-day work week and 34% will continue testing the program.

Since the pandemic, the issue has strongly entered the public debate in Germany, where it is among the main demands of some unions.