Consulting Firm Leads Initiative to Test Four-Day Workweek in Brazil

Reconnect Consulting, a Specialist in “Workplace Happiness”, Leads the Initiative in Partnership with the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) 4 Day Week, Which Advocates for the Reduction of the Number of Working Days in the Week.

The 4 Day Week aims to establish agreements with companies around the world to implement this model on a trial basis. The methodology they use is called 100-80-100: 100% of the salary, 80% of the hours (four days instead of five), and 100% of productivity. The idea is to reduce the number of working days in the week without loss of productivity, allowing employees more time to dedicate to their personal lives.

Previous tests conducted in other countries have shown positive results. In the United Kingdom, more than 90% of participating companies continued with the reduced weekly hours. In Iceland, 86% of the workforce is entitled to a four-day work week.

In Brazil, Reconnect Plans to Conduct a Six-Month Trial

The initial stages, aimed at developing the methodology to be used in the country, will begin in June. If the model proves effective, the economy will have the opportunity to test a new approach in the labor market.

Some independent companies in Brazil are already seeking to implement the reduced work week. One example is the São Paulo-based software company Novahaus and the Rio de Janeiro-based Humanare, a human resources firm. Companies interested in testing the four-day work week model can contact Reconnect or 4 Day Week. For this purpose, a specific registration form for the initiative is expected to be launched later this month.

The Initiative is Important Because Excessive Work Hours Can Harm Workers’ Physical and Mental Health

Studies have shown that a reduced work schedule can benefit workers by increasing their quality of life and benefit companies, as reduced work time translates into greater engagement, commitment, and employee productivity.

Although some companies in Brazil are already seeking to implement the reduced work week on their own, initiatives like this can help create a more favorable environment for the adoption of the model in workplaces across the country. This could have positive repercussions for society as a whole, including a healthier and more balanced labor market, with less stress and more well-being for workers.