Aug 22, 2026

More Czech Companies Test Four-Day Work Weeks Despite Political Resistance

Prague Morning

A growing number of companies in the Czech Republic are experimenting with a four-day working week, with some reporting higher productivity and greater employee satisfaction.

But politicians remain reluctant to make the arrangement a standard option across the country.

Under the model, employees work four days instead of five while keeping their full salaries. Companies that have introduced the system say workers can maintain their output while having more time to rest.

At Trinity Group, the arrangement has been in place for five years. Jan Hanulík, the company’s product and marketing director, said productivity had risen despite employees working one day less each week.

“Although we have one working day less, productivity has increased,” Hanulík said, adding that the company’s results have roughly doubled since the system was introduced.

A survey cited in the report found that around 70 percent of employees in the Czech Republic would welcome a four-day working week.

Politicians remain cautious

The idea has already been adopted in different forms elsewhere in Europe. In Belgium, for example, employees can request to work their weekly hours over four days rather than five. The system therefore does not necessarily mean fewer working hours.

Czech politicians, however, argue that a single system would not work across all sectors.

Labor and Social Affairs Minister Aleš Juchelka of ANO said a legally mandated four-day week could create problems in areas already facing staff shortages, including social services and health care.

SPD lawmaker Lucie Šafránková also said the working week should reflect the conditions of individual professions and employers rather than follow one nationwide rule.