As the global conversation around work-life balance deepens, India stands at a turning point in how we define productivity and workplace success. The four-day workweek, once seen as a utopian ideal, is now emerging as a serious conversation among Indian businesses and policymakers.

Studies across countries like Iceland, the UK, and Japan have shown that reducing the number of workdays can not only boost employee satisfaction but also maintain and sometimes even increase overall productivity. In India, where long hours are often worn as a badge of honor, the cultural shift toward valuing personal time and mental well-being could be revolutionary.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought flexibility and remote work into the mainstream, pushing companies to question traditional work norms. A four-day week now seems like the logical next step in India’s evolving work culture. Startups and forward-thinking firms are already experimenting with this model, reporting improvements in employee morale and lower burnout rates.

The conversation is no longer about whether we can afford to work less, it’s about whether we can afford not to. If implemented thoughtfully, a shorter workweek could be a strategic tool to retain top talent, improve mental health, and create a more sustainable and inclusive workplace.

India may still have a long road ahead, but the idea is catching fire. And as Gen Z and millennials dominate the workforce, their preference for purpose and flexibility could make the 4-day workweek not just a possibility but a necessity.