The Dominican Republic is set to become the first Caribbean nation to test a four-day work week starting in February. The six-month voluntary pilot, not involving a pay cut, aims to assess the impact on productivity and work-life balance. The standard workweek will decrease from 44 to 36 hours, running from Monday through Thursday. Companies such as the national health insurance agency, a power company, a telecommunications company, and a heavy equipment business are expected to participate. The trial’s results will be analyzed by a local university, considering health changes and the work-personal life relationship.

This move follows a global trend with countries like the UK, where a significant trial in 2023 yielded positive results, leading 18 out of 61 companies to permanently adopt a four-day work week. Benefits included reduced stress, improved work-life balance, and better sleep for employees. Japan and Iceland also reported success with shorter work weeks, citing increased productivity and reduced stress. Belgium legislated a shorter work week in 2022, allowing employees to work four days without salary reduction, but still requiring 40 hours of work. In India, there is a debate about implementing a 70-hour work week to boost productivity, while in China, some firms follow a demanding “996” work culture, working from 9am to 9pm, six days a week. However, such proposals have sparked controversy and opposition from labor unions in various countries.