In Ukraine, the idea of implementing a four-day work week while maintaining a 40-hour duration is receiving significant support from both employees and business representatives. According to a survey conducted in the country, 53% of Ukrainians and 58% of entrepreneurs view this initiative positively.
This is reported by Finway
Society’s Readiness for Changes in Labor Relations
These data indicate a societal demand for changes in work organization. Ukrainians, who are experiencing difficult times due to the war, air alerts, and economic instability, are seeking new ways to maintain productivity and improve their quality of life without compromising their health.
According to the head of the Tax Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Daniil Hetmantsev, his recent survey on Telegram also confirmed this trend. In it, more than half of the participants expressed support for transitioning to a four-day work week while keeping the usual number of working hours.
“Recently, I conducted a mini-survey on Telegram regarding people’s attitudes towards the idea of a 4-day work week, provided that its duration remains at 40 hours. The opinion poll showed that more than half of the respondents view this prospect positively – 53% voted ‘in favor’,” wrote Hetmantsev.
Survey Results from Businesses and the Economic Situation
The Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as part of its “Business Barometer” research, also conducted a separate survey regarding the implementation of a 4-day work week. According to its results, 58% of business representatives support this initiative, while another 16% believe that the decision on the work format should be made by the companies themselves. Thus, over 70% of businesses are open to dialogue regarding more flexible work organization.
Hetmantsev emphasized that this issue requires constructive interaction between the state, businesses, and employees. He cites examples from global practices where the transition to a four-day work week has contributed to increased labor productivity, improved emotional well-being of employees, reduced burnout, and better economic results for companies.
Despite the gradual stabilization of the economy, the overall index of entrepreneurial expectations in July remains negative at –12.4 points. However, the dynamics are improving, as this indicator has increased by 1.5 points compared to June. The best expectations are recorded in the construction sector, where the index stands at +6.7. At the same time, pessimism persists in the sectors of trade, services, and manufacturing, while among exporters, the index reaches –14.5.
All groups of enterprises, from micro to large, are showing a gradual easing of pessimism, indicating that businesses are adapting to new conditions and are ready to implement more flexible models of work organization.