GK: Which Countries Have A 4-Day Work Week? Full List Inside

What if working fewer days suddenly became a need, not a choice? Around the world, a quiet shift is happening. Many countries are changing work routines as fuel costs rise and travel becomes difficult, pushing people to rethink daily office life.

The conflict involving Iran has created an energy crisis after disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. As oil supply gets affected, governments are turning to four-day work weeks and remote work to save fuel and reduce daily travel.

This shift feels similar to the changes seen during the COVID-19 lockdowns between 2020 and 2022. Back then, people stayed home due to health risks. Now, rising fuel prices and limited supply are forcing similar changes in how people work.

In Pakistan, the government has asked 50 per cent of employees to work from home in rotation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reportedly advised private companies to follow this step.

“The entire region is currently in a state of war,” Sharif said as per Aljazeera. His words highlight the serious situation, as Pakistan tries to cut down fuel use and reduce unnecessary travel during this ongoing crisis.

The Philippines has declared a national emergency due to rising oil costs. Since it imports most of its fuel, local governments have shifted to four-day work weeks and limited travel to “essential functions only.”

Sri Lanka has also reportedly introduced a four-day work week from mid-March. Wednesdays are now holidays for many public offices, helping reduce petrol use and manage limited energy resources.

Schools, universities, and government offices in Sri Lanka follow this system, while essential services continue normally. The country has also brought back petrol rationing, similar to earlier steps taken during past fuel shortages.

Some countries are focusing on remote work instead, as per reports. Egypt, Thailand, and Vietnam have asked people to work from home and reduce travel.

In the United Kingdom, a four-day week has not started yet. However, a workers’ union has asked for more remote work, saying the Iran war is “pushing up costs for workers who are already struggling to make ends meet” The Sun reported.

In 2022, Belgium became the first European country to legislate a four-day week. Workers can compress their 40-hour week into four days without a pay cut. The policy includes a "right to disconnect," allowing employees at larger firms to ignore work messages after hours to reduce burnout.

Following a successful six-month pilot in 2024, 73% of participating German companies chose to stick with the shorter week. Already known for its 34-hour average work week, Germany’s shift focuses on maintaining its trademark efficiency while boosting employee satisfaction.

From April 2025, Tokyo implemented a four-day work week for government staff to combat "karoshi" (death by overwork) and a record-low fertility rate. The move aims to improve work-life balance and bridge the gender gap, encouraging parents to take three days off or leave early to support family life.