Are We Ready for This? Society Discusses Whether a Four-Day Workweek is Possible in Latvia

Photo: LETA

In recent years, issues of work-life balance have become increasingly relevant, and the topic of a four-day workweek is being raised more often.

This time, a broader discussion on social media was sparked by a post from a man on the Threads platform, where he suggests considering whether such a model is possible in Latvia, writes LA.LV.

In his post, he writes: "Do you think it is realistic for Latvia to switch to a four-day workweek? Of course, without a pay cut. Employers will surely object, but in several countries, there are already studies, experiments, and trials where it works — people are happier and productivity does not decline."

This question quickly attracted significant attention and sparked a wide discussion. The idea of a shorter workweek seems appealing to many, as it would mean more time for family, relaxation, and personal interests. At the same time, it raises the question of whether the labor market and economic situation in Latvia would even allow for such changes.

In other countries, the four-day workweek model has already been tested in various pilot projects. Results often show that employees become more motivated, burnout decreases, and even the quality of work improves.

In the case of Latvia, the readiness of employers is particularly relevant. Many companies may fear a decrease in productivity or additional costs, while workers would hope for the opposite — more efficient work and higher life satisfaction.

Here’s what people think about it:

Not in our country. Here, hours are already being cut to save costs, but they still demand as if it were 12-hour shifts.

In the foreseeable future, this is impossible in Latvia. Already, organizations are hearing from employers that we are unproductive. Such a proposal for a four-day workweek in the context of productivity would be like a red rag to a bull.
I worked in such a job, and it was the ideal job. The salary was the same as at my previous job with a five-day week.
For this to work, there need to be sufficiently large and stable teams with low turnover. In situations where an employee is absent due to illness or other reasons, a 5/2 schedule often turns into 6/1 or 7/1. Moreover, this one day off is often not a full rest but rather a formal compromise: "Okay, let’s give a day off, otherwise we can’t," rather than genuine concern for the employee's rest. Stability is very important for both the state and companies.

Personally, my productivity would only increase because I would rest better.

Exactly! I think in many places, including visits to doctors, examinations, and consultations, this would improve. Then it would be enough to go for 1–2 consultations, examinations, where rested doctors would do everything better than now, when you have to go ten times to get results because they miss a lot, don’t delve into it, have no time, are tired… my pain. But I understand them humanly. Perhaps overall we would then be less sick.
Great idea along with the government’s idea to pay less for overtime and holidays. Natural selection is expected if such a regime is introduced for firefighters, at the airport, in emergency services, hospitals, etc.
If the number of working days is reduced, productivity will not decrease — that means specific workers are slacking off… We need to reduce positions and arrange for others elsewhere.
They will slack off elsewhere, and nothing will change.
Yes, 100% — in agriculture, road construction, and construction during the summer season, a four-day workweek for the same pay.

It is possible with shifts. In construction, there are big problems with productivity due to poorly developed projects. In the UK, it is evident how everything is precisely planned — they can build without delays. This is not seen in Latvia.

With the advent of AI, perhaps someday in the future this will become possible. Yesterday, I set up a completely new automation tool in a few minutes thanks to steps from AI on what to do and how to solve problems. Previously, it would have taken me half a day to figure out how this tool works and how to solve problems.
Our productivity is low. This is due to company systems — that’s why one person has to work more for the company to have income. This can be done in individual companies if they work on the system. In government institutions, if we could get rid of "meaningless tasks," that is, bureaucratic "nonsense," then this would be quite possible.
Yes, especially in such government structures as schools, hospitals, or emergency services.
Government structures are not just schools, hospitals, and emergency services.
In the company where I work, there is a four-day workweek during the summer period. Everyone manages to get things done, and everyone is satisfied.

There are professions/specialties where this is impossible. Plus the fact that a full-time position would mean fewer hours (144 hours for 20 working days instead of 160), and it is planned to reduce overtime pay — this will significantly affect the salaries of those for whom a reduction in working hours at the same pay is impossible due to the specifics of the profession.

There are industries where this is impossible.
I worked in a place where they switched from 5 days of 8 hours to 4 days of 10 hours. I definitely preferred the 4 days!

What do you think? Write in the comments.