7 out of 10 Hong Kong staff support four-day workweek: survey

69% of Hong Kong respondents said they would be more focused if required to complete their tasks within a four-day timeframe.

A strong majority of professionals in Hong Kong believe that a four-day workweek would help them work more efficiently, according to new data from recruitment firm Hays.

In the recent survey conducted on LinkedIn across five Asian markets, 69% of Hong Kong respondents said they would be more focused if required to complete their tasks within a four-day timeframe.

The survey covered professionals in Hong Kong SAR, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. China led the region with 73% of professionals expressing confidence in their ability to maintain focus and productivity under a shorter workweek model, followed by Malaysia at 65%, Japan at 54%, and Singapore at 49%.

“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.

She added that this is especially relevant in Hong Kong, where “one in three professionals (31%) polled in the Hays Asia Salary Guide indicated they are dissatisfied with their current work-life balance.”

Crucially, the report also found that Hong Kong workers are not overly concerned about workload challenges associated with a shortened week.

“None of the respondents surveyed in Hong Kong expressed concern that a shortened workweek would result in an unmanageable workload,” the report noted.

Only 3% said the change would have little impact due to existing flexibility, and 28% said the effect would depend on their job type.

Beyond productivity gains, shorter workweeks have been linked to lower turnover and absenteeism, as shown in a pilot study from the United Kingdom cited in the report.

In Hong Kong, “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 offered,” according to Sue Wei.