Work in a New Way: The Sole Condition for Shortening the Workweek Has Been Named.

The State Employment Service Against the Introduction of a Four-Day Workweek

The State Employment Service officially denied the possibility of legislating a four-day workweek in Ukraine under martial law. Representatives of the agency emphasized that

discussing Ukraine's transition to a four-day workweek during wartime would be strange

.

Enhanced Labor Standards During Wartime

Currently, enhanced labor standards during wartime are in effect in Ukraine. The maximum weekly working hours have been increased to 60 instead of the standard 40 hours. Holidays during wartime are classified as ordinary working days without double pay or compensation for additional rest. Employers have been granted the right to require employees to work on weekends without agreement with trade unions.

According to the Labor Code, the standard duration of the workweek in Ukraine is 40 hours. Reducing this Time is only provided for minors, people with disabilities, or by individual agreement with the employer. At critical infrastructure facilities under martial law, the workweek may reach 60 hours.

International Experience in Implementing a Four-Day Workweek

The Employment Service notes that in peacetime, the discussion of a reduced workweek will become possible. International experience shows positive results:

• Iceland
• Germany
• Belgium
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• France
• Lithuania
• Japan
• United Arab Emirates

In July 2025, Poland launched an experimental program by the Ministry of Labor allowing employers to offer alternative models of reduced working hours.

Analysis of international experience shows that the four-day workweek is most effective for:

• IT sector
• creative professions
• analytical professions
• result-based payment areas

So far, a four-day workweek in Ukraine is possible in the format of local agreements

, – summarized the State Employment Service.

Representatives of the State Employment Service rejected the idea of implementing a four-day workweek under martial law, citing enhanced labor standards and the current situation in the country. Their conclusion noted that the possibility of a reduced workweek could be considered after the conflict ends, based on international experience of successful implementation of this practice.