4-day work week era begins in Turkey: The date has been set

The Medium-Term Program (OVP) covering the 2026-2028 period was announced recently. The program included a notable regulation regarding working life.

The official document stated, "A pilot application will be conducted to adjust working days in line with increasing work-life balance and employee productivity."

This statement was interpreted as the first time the 4-day work week system has been brought to the agenda. The study is planned to be completed by 2026, and the pilot application is planned to be launched in specific institutions and organizations.

IT WILL BE EXPANDED IF SUCCESSFUL

Following the pilot application process, if the results are positive, the system will be expanded to both the public and private sectors. The government's goal is for employees to achieve a work-life balance, increase productivity, and boost motivation.

THE 4-DAY WORK WEEK MODEL IS BECOMING WIDESPREAD WORLDWIDE

The four-day work week system is being implemented by an increasing number of countries around the world. As of July 1, 2025, Poland switched to a new model of four days for 32 hours or five days for 35 hours per week.

Short work weeks have been tested in various forms in Iceland, Belgium, Spain, and Japan. In Germany, 45 companies switched to a four-day work schedule in 2024.

In the UK, a pilot application conducted in 2023 revealed that employee satisfaction increased, and there was no significant decline in productivity.

News Source: 12punto