The idea of a four-day workweek is gaining momentum worldwide, with trials in countries like the UK and Iceland showing higher productivity, better employee satisfaction, and improved work–life balance. Advocates argue that working 100% efficiently in 80% of the time can still deliver results while reducing burnout.

In India, however, challenges remain. A deeply ingrained “hustle culture” often promotes extreme work hours, with industry leaders like Narayana Murthy advocating 70-hour workweeks. Legal restrictions under the Factories Act and other labour codes also limit flexibility, making compressed schedules harder to implement across manufacturing and service sectors.

Yet, small openings exist. Recent labour reforms theoretically allow flexible arrangements if employers and employees agree. Experts suggest that IT firms, startups, and creative industries could pilot shorter weeks to gather data on productivity and well-being. If successful, India might gradually follow the global shift, redefining productivity while balancing economic growth with employee welfare.