The 4-Day Work Week in Austria: Future Model or Productivity Trap?

The 4-Day Work Week in Austria: Future Model or Productivity Trap?

The working world in Austria is undergoing a transformation. Since 2024 at the latest, the discussion about the 4-day work week has moved from the coffee kitchens directly to the executive suites. In times of acute skilled labor shortages and rising burnout rates, companies are looking for ways to become more attractive employers, while employees place more value on "quality time."

But what exactly does the 4-day work week mean in Austria? Is it just a redistribution of hours or a genuine reduction? And what about salary? In this guide, we clarify the most important questions.

1. The Different Models of the 4-Day Work Week

"4-day work week" is not always the same. In Austrian practice, three main models have emerged:

• The 100-80-100 Model: 100% salary, 80% of the time, 100% performance. This is the ideal model for many employees but requires a massive increase in efficiency.
• Condensed Working Hours (4 x 10 hours): The weekly normal working hours (e.g., 38.5 or 40 hours) are spread over four days. You work longer per day but have one day completely off.
• Classic Part-Time: A reduction of hours (e.g., to 30 or 32 hours) with a corresponding pro-rata adjustment of salary.

2. Legal Framework in Austria

The Austrian Working Time Act (AZG) already offers flexibility but also clear limits:

• Maximum Working Hours: For a 4-day work week, the daily normal working hours can be extended to 10 hours, provided this is stipulated in the collective agreement or by a works agreement (or individual agreement in companies without a works council).
• Overtime: Anything beyond the agreed daily normal working hours still counts as overtime.
• Collective Agreement (KV): Many Austrian KVs (e.g., metal industry or electrical trades) have already integrated specific clauses for the 4-day work week. A look at your own KV is therefore essential.

3. Benefits for Employers and Employees

Studies and pilot projects often show surprising results:

4. How to Negotiate the 4-Day Work Week

Do you want to propose your model in your current job? Prepare strategically:

1. Solution-Oriented Approach: Argue not only with your free time but with how work can be done more efficiently in 4 days.
2. Suggest a Test Phase: Propose a three-month pilot phase. This alleviates the employer's fear of a permanent risk.
3. Clarify Availability: Clearly define how customer availability will be ensured on your day off (e.g., through a tandem partner in the team).

Conclusion: Quality over Quantity

The 4-day work week in Austria is no longer just a feel-good topic but an economic strategy against the shortage of skilled workers. While it cannot be copied one-to-one for every industry (e.g., 24/7 care or shift work), it offers enormous opportunities for the service sector.

Find your New Work partner! On Skill Tandem, we connect people who want to optimize their way of working. Exchange ideas with others who are already working a 4-day week: How do they organize their tasks? What tools do they use? Together, we learn how modern work really functions!

FAQ: 4-Day Work Week in Austria

Do I have a legal right to a 4-day work week?

No, there is no general legal entitlement in Austria. It is always an agreement between employer and employee (or via collective agreement/works agreement).

What happens to my vacation entitlement?

Your vacation entitlement in weeks remains the same (5 weeks). If you only work 4 days a week, you only use 4 vacation days per week of vacation.