The four-day week in Italy: approaches and benefits

Abstract

This article examines the growing interest in the four-day working week with no loss of pay in Italy. It distinguishes genuine working-time reduction from compressed working-week arrangements and analyses recent company-level agreements adopted by Intesa Sanpaolo, Lamborghini and EssilorLuxottica, as well as initial trials in public administrations. The article highlights potential benefits for work-life balance, health, productivity, employee retention and business attractiveness, while also considering organisational, financial and distributive challenges. It concludes that company-level collective bargaining currently provides the most suitable framework for developing sustainable and mutually beneficial working-time arrangements.