In a landmark move, the French government has approved a 4-day workweek for public sector employees without reducing salaries. The reform aims to improve work-life balance and boost productivity.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said, “A shorter workweek doesn’t mean less work — it means smarter work.” The pilot program, starting next month, will include teachers, hospital workers, and government staff.
If successful, France will become the first major European nation to fully implement the model. Early surveys show that 72% of employees support the idea, while some private sector companies are also considering adopting the policy.
Experts in India and Bhutan say France’s success could inspire similar experiments in developing countries, especially in education and healthcare sectors. Economists, however, warn that the move could strain public finances if not managed efficiently.
