Portugal's bet on a 4-day working week
Positive results were obtained by the pilot project developed during the second half of 2023 in Portugal, in which a group of private and public companies tested having a working week of only 4 days.
The initiative came from the non-profit organization 4 Day Week, whose proposal for a reduction in working hours convinced countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, South Africa and Portugal to implement this option.
The results were mixed. In some countries the experiment failed, as noted The Trade, “either because it resulted in a significant increase in spending for governments or because they end up overburdening employees.”
Belgium is one example of this. In November 2022, its government proposed a four-day workweek, but without reducing the standard 38-hour workweek. Those who opted for this alternative would have to work 9.5 to 10 hours a day. As a result, only 0,5% of Belgian workers were willing to adopt the shorter week.
The result was very different in the United KingdomNot only did participants' economic gains increase by 35%, but absenteeism decreased by 67%, employee turnover fell by 57%, and 39% of workers reported less work-related stress. Another 71% said they felt less exhausted.
Portugal was also a success story. While the government offered no financial compensation or subsidies, one of the keys to the project's success was the salaries: there were no pay cuts. The working week was set at 34 hours.
The figures are compelling: 95% of the 41 participating companies had positive experiences.
The workers also expressed satisfaction, as their mental health levels improved significantly. Anxiety decreased by 21%; 19% reported fewer sleep problems, and feelings of loneliness fell by 14%. Furthermore, 65% of people said they spent more time with their families.
“Workers get more rest, have better levels of mental health and work-life balance. These are factors that also benefit the company and help retain talent,” the program coordinator, Pedro Gomes, told the media outlet. Infobae.
Visas to work in Portugal
Although this project has already ended, it may have inspired you to wonder if you'd be interested in working in Portugal. After all, it is one of the Top 10 countries for remote work.
In that regard, we recommend the following options:
Digital Nomad Visa: This visa allows you to live in Portugal and work for a company located elsewhere. It grants a two-year residence permit, renewable for an additional three years. After five years of residence, you can apply for citizenship. To apply for this visa, you must demonstrate that, for the past three months, your monthly income has exceeded four times the Portuguese minimum wage (currently approximately €3.280 per month). You must also obtain health insurance and provide proof of accommodation, such as a letter of invitation, or proof of having paid at least four months' rent.
The Golden Visa is a residency program based on investment, allowing you to obtain citizenship in just five years without actually residing in Portugal. The Golden Visa allows you to work, study, and travel freely within the Schengen Area. The program also facilitates family reunification, offering children and parents the opportunity to obtain citizenship, again with the significant advantage of not having to live in Portugal. To proceed with this application, you must invest in funds starting at €500.000 or contribute to artistic and cultural projects starting at €200.000.
Schedule a meeting with our team To explore the best options for you on your journey to Portugal. We are experts in international mobility, and we want to help you become a citizen of the world.
