Seven out of ten professionals in Hong Kong SAR believe four-day workweeks would boost productivity

Hays, the world's leading recruitment and workforce solutions specialist, polled working professionals on LinkedIn across five locations in Asia including Hong Kong SAR, China, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. Respondents were asked to weigh in on their sense of productivity in four-day workweek. 
 
The findings reveal strong support for the model, particularly in Hong Kong, where 69 per cent of respondents believe they would be more focused if required to complete their tasks within a four-day timeframe. This was followed by Malaysia (65 per cent), Japan (54 per cent) and Singapore (49 per cent). China led the region, with 73 per cent of professionals expressing confidence in their ability to maintain focus and productivity under a shorter workweek model. 
 
“The idea of a four-day workweek is resonating with professionals who are seeking greater efficiency and focus in their work,” said Sue Wei, Managing Director at Hays Greater China. “This is relevant in Hong Kong, where one in three professionals (31 per cent) polled in the Hays Asia Salary Guide indicated they are dissatisfied with their current work-life balance.” 
 
Notably, none of the respondents surveyed in Hong Kong expressed concern that a shortened workweek would result in an unmanageable workload. Meanwhile, three per cent indicated that the change would have little impact due to already having flexible schedules, and 28 per cent said their performance would depend on the nature of their role. 
 
Shorter workweeks linked to greater job satisfaction and productivity 
 
The concept of offering professionals an additional day of rest within the standard workweek continues to gain traction globally. A pilot study in the United Kingdom demonstrated that participants in a reduced workweek reported fewer absences and lower turnover, outcomes closely linked to improved work-life balance. 
 
“In Hong Kong, promoting employee wellbeing through improved work-life balance has proven beneficial for both retention and recruitment. Today, 28 per cent of professionals consider these initiatives when exploring new career opportunities, and 33 per cent have chosen to stay with their current employer because of the work-life balance offered1,” said Sue. 
 
Beyond boosting employee productivity, shorter workweeks also help reduce operating costs, allowing organisations committed to remaining closed one extra day a week to save on utilities and other overheads. These efficiencies contribute meaningfully to Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) goals—by lowering carbon emissions, supporting employee wellbeing, and reinforcing a company’s commitment to sustainable and socially responsible business practices. 
 
Uprooting a tradition of work culture 
 
Despite the growing interest in shorter workweeks, it remains unclear how many organisations have formally adopted the four-day model. The traditional five-day workweek continues to be the global norm, but signs of change are emerging. 
 
“Professionals in Hong Kong are increasingly pushing back against the ‘996 work culture,’ as flexible work arrangements and shorter workweeks gain momentum across Asia. Trials of four-day workweeks in China and Singapore are offering valuable insights for leaders in Hong Kong to consider,” said Sue. 
 
“As more data becomes available on the benefits of four-day workweeks, the focus will shift to how organisations can strategically implement this model. The real challenge will be developing a clear roadmap to adopt this change while staying competitive in an era where skills in demand are evolving faster than ever before,” said Sue. 
 
-Ends- 
 

Contact 
Remy Tang, Marketing Executive, Hays Hong Kong

T: +852 2101 0030 
E: remy.tang@hays.com.hk   

About Hays Hong Kong SAR   

Hays Specialist Recruitment Hong Kong is the one of the leading specialist recruitment companies in Hong Kong SAR in recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people across a wide range of industries and professions.   
 
Hays has been in Hong Kong SAR for over a decade and boasts a track record of success and growth. At Hays in Hong Kong SAR, we operate across the private and public sector, dealing in permanent and contracting positions, and workforce solutions such as recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) and Managed Service Programmes (MSP) in the following specialisms: Accountancy & Finance, Banking & Financial Services, Construction, Digital Technology, Engineering, Finance Technology, Human Resources, Information Technology, Insurance, Legal, Life Sciences, Marketing & Digital, Office Professionals, Property, Procurement, Supply Chain, Sustainability and Sales. We continue to strengthen our position in Asia with the world-leading ISO 9001:2015 certification in all our operational markets including Hong Kong SAR, China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. 
 
About Hays 

Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading specialist in workforce solutions and recruitment, such as RPO and MSP. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As of 31 December 2024, the Group employed over 10,300 staff operating from 225 offices in 33 countries. For the year ended 30 June 2024: