Four-Day Work Week Productivity
BUSINESS
2/26/2026
WARM-UP
Answer briefly. No overthinking.
Would you like to work four days a week?
Do you feel tired by Friday?
Is work-life balance important to you?
VOCABULARY
ESSENTIAL (A2–B1)
productive – achieving good results
Example: I feel more productive in the morning.
maintain – to keep something at the same level or quality
Example: It is important to maintain good habits.
workforce – all the people who work in a country or company
Example: The company expanded its workforce.
balance – a healthy proportion between different things
Example: She tries to find a balance between work and family.
well-being – the state of being healthy and happy
Example: Exercise improves mental well-being.
DEVELOPED (B2–C2)
clamor – a strong public demand or protest
Example: There is growing clamor for flexible work.
productivity – the rate of output or efficiency
Example: Higher productivity can increase profits.
quality of life – overall comfort, health, and happiness
Example: Flexible hours improved her quality of life.
economic output – the total value of goods and services produced
Example: Reduced hours may affect economic output.
trial period – a test phase before permanent change
Example: The company introduced a four-day week for a trial period.
READING
INTRODUCTION
The idea of a four-day work week is gaining popularity. Supporters believe it improves well-being and balance, while critics question its effect on productivity.
ARTICLE (ALL LEVELS)
Some companies are testing a four-day week while paying employees the same salary.
Workers report feeling happier and more productive, but economists warn it may be difficult to maintain the same level of output.
DEVELOPED ARTICLE (B1–C2)
Supporters argue that a shorter week improves workers’ quality of life and mental well-being.
However, critics say that to maintain current economic output, companies may need to increase productivity or expand the workforce.
In some countries, there is growing public clamor for flexible working arrangements.
Many governments and businesses are introducing the four-day model as a trial period to evaluate long-term effects before making permanent changes.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
A1–A2
What is a four-day work week?
How do some workers feel about it?
What does balance mean?
B1–B2
Why might companies need to increase productivity?
What is the role of the workforce in this debate?
Why are some countries testing a trial period?
C1–C2
How could reduced working hours affect economic output?
Is employee well-being as important as productivity? Why?
What long-term economic risks could a four-day week create?
SPEAKING
A1–A2 — FOUNDATION
Language Support:
“I think…”
“I feel…”
“In my job…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Would you prefer a four-day week?
Do you feel productive every day?
Do you have good work-life balance?
Do you often work overtime?
Does your job affect your well-being?
Do you enjoy your weekends?
Would three days off make you happier?
Do you think you could maintain your performance?
Does your company support flexible work?
Are long hours common in your industry?
Do you feel tired by the end of the week?
Would you accept lower pay for more free time?
Is your quality of life good now?
Do you think shorter weeks reduce stress?
Would society benefit from fewer working days?
B1–B2 — EXPANSION
Language Support:
“In my opinion…”
“I believe that…”
“One advantage is…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
How could a four-day week increase productivity?
What industries cannot reduce working days?
Would this model affect the workforce size?
How important is mental well-being at work?
Should governments support shorter weeks?
What are the economic risks?
Would customers accept slower service?
Does technology make shorter weeks possible?
Should flexible schedules be mandatory?
Is there public clamor for change in your country?
Would small businesses struggle?
How would managers measure success?
Could this improve gender equality?
Should companies test a trial period first?
Would you work longer hours for four days?
C1–C2 — DEPTH & REFLECTION
Language Support:
“This suggests that…”
“One implication is…”
“From an economic perspective…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Could reduced hours redefine modern employment?
How might a four-day week reshape corporate culture?
Should economic output outweigh personal well-being?
What structural reforms would be necessary?
How might globalization affect feasibility?
Could automation make shorter weeks inevitable?
Would inequality increase or decrease?
How would performance be fairly evaluated?
Is time a better measure than results?
Could shorter weeks boost creativity?
How would this affect career ambition?
Should certain sectors be excluded?
Could reduced burnout lower healthcare costs?
What cultural barriers might prevent adoption?
What does true work-life balance mean in the 21st century?
