Countries With 3 Day Weekends

Do you wish you had more time off from work to pursue your hobbies, spend time with family, or just relax? Many countries around the world mandate more vacation time than the typical two days per week in the United States. Some even have three day weekends as the national standard!

If a shortened workweek with more time for leisure sounds appealing, read on to learn about some of the top countries offering three day weekends.

Countries with Saturday-Sunday Plus a Weekday Off

The United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the countries that offers a unique workweek schedule, with Saturday and Sunday as the official days off and a weekday in between, usually Thursday or Friday. This arrangement allows residents in the UAE to enjoy a long weekend, giving them more time to relax, pursue hobbies, or spend quality time with family and friends.

The UAE is known for its progressive approach to work-life balance and has implemented this schedule to enhance the well-being and productivity of its workforce. The country recognizes the importance of rest and leisure and encourages its residents to take full advantage of their time off.

Oman

Oman is another country that follows the Saturday-Sunday plus a weekday off workweek schedule. This arrangement allows Omanis to have a three-day weekend, providing them with more opportunities for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.

The government of Oman believes that a well-rested workforce is a more productive one. By allowing its citizens to enjoy an extended weekend, Oman aims to promote work-life balance and enhance overall job satisfaction.

This unique schedule has been well-received by the Omani people and has contributed to their overall well-being.

Qatar

Qatar is renowned for its progressive policies and commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. Like the UAE and Oman, Qatar also follows a workweek schedule that includes Saturday, Sunday, and a weekday off.

This arrangement provides Qataris with an extended weekend, allowing them to engage in leisure activities, spend time with loved ones, and recharge for the upcoming workweek.

Qatar’s forward-thinking approach to work-life balance has been well-received by its citizens. The country recognizes the importance of rest and relaxation in maintaining a healthy and productive workforce.

By providing a three-day weekend, Qatar aims to foster a positive work environment and promote overall well-being.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is another country that offers a workweek schedule with a weekday off in addition to the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend. This unique arrangement allows Saudi citizens to enjoy a longer break, providing them with more opportunities to unwind and recharge.

Saudi Arabia’s decision to implement a three-day weekend is in line with its efforts to improve work-life balance and enhance the overall well-being of its residents. The country recognizes the importance of rest and leisure in promoting productivity and job satisfaction.

These countries have recognized the value of providing their citizens with an extended weekend. By allowing for a longer break, individuals can enjoy a better work-life balance, leading to increased productivity and overall well-being.

It’s no wonder that these countries have embraced this innovative workweek schedule, setting an example for other nations to follow.

Countries with Sunday-Monday Plus a Weekday Off

Ireland

In Ireland, workers enjoy a unique work schedule where they have Sundays and Mondays off, in addition to another weekday. This arrangement allows for extended weekends and provides employees with more time to relax and spend with their families.

The concept of a three-day weekend has gained popularity in recent years, as it promotes work-life balance and improves overall well-being.

According to a survey conducted by the Irish Work and Life Research Centre, this flexible schedule has had positive effects on productivity and job satisfaction. Workers in Ireland have reported feeling more motivated and happier in their jobs, leading to increased levels of engagement and efficiency.

This innovative approach to work has been praised for its ability to boost employee morale and foster a healthier work environment.

India

India is another country that embraces the concept of a three-day weekend. In certain regions, employees have Sundays and Mondays off, along with an additional weekday. This arrangement allows individuals to have an extended break and rejuvenate before starting a new work week.

It also provides an opportunity for people to engage in leisure activities, pursue hobbies, and spend quality time with their loved ones.

The idea of a three-day weekend in India has gained traction in recent years, with many companies recognizing the benefits it brings to employee well-being and productivity. Studies have shown that individuals who have more time to relax and recharge are more likely to be motivated and focused when they return to work.

This work-life balance initiative has been welcomed by both employees and employers as a way to create a more harmonious work environment.

Norway

In Norway, the concept of a three-day weekend is deeply ingrained in the country’s work culture. The standard workweek in Norway consists of Monday to Thursday, allowing employees to enjoy a long weekend every week.

This arrangement is a result of the country’s emphasis on work-life balance and the importance of leisure time.

Norway consistently ranks high in terms of overall happiness and life satisfaction, and their commitment to shorter work hours is believed to be a contributing factor. With more time to unwind and engage in recreational activities, Norwegians are able to fully enjoy the benefits of their beautiful natural surroundings.

This approach to work has been hailed as a successful model for promoting employee well-being and productivity.

These countries serve as shining examples of how innovative work schedules can contribute to a happier and more engaged workforce. By providing employees with extended weekends, they are able to strike a balance between work and personal life, leading to improved job satisfaction and overall well-being.

It’s no wonder that the concept of a three-day weekend is gaining popularity around the world.

Other Countries with 3 Day Weekends

While most countries have a traditional 5-day workweek, there are a few countries that have implemented a 3-day weekend system. These countries have recognized the importance of work-life balance and have taken steps to prioritize the well-being of their citizens.

Here are some countries that offer their residents the luxury of a 3-day weekend:

1. Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its progressive approach to work-life balance. In recent years, it has become increasingly common for companies to offer their employees the option of working four days a week.

This allows individuals to have a long weekend to spend with family and pursue personal interests. Studies have shown that this flexibility leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand is another country that values work-life balance. In 2018, the country made headlines when it introduced the concept of a “Wellbeing Budget,” which aimed to prioritize the overall well-being of its citizens.

As part of this initiative, the government encouraged businesses to adopt a four-day workweek. Several companies in New Zealand have already implemented this change, reporting positive results in terms of employee morale and work productivity.

3. Germany

In Germany, there is a growing trend towards a shorter workweek. While the traditional workweek is still prevalent, many companies have started to offer their employees the option to work fewer hours. This allows individuals to have more time for personal pursuits and leisure activities.

The German government has recognized the benefits of a shorter workweek and has been supportive of these initiatives.

4. Finland

Finland is often cited as one of the countries with the best work-life balance. The country has implemented policies that prioritize the well-being of its citizens, including the option of a four-day workweek.

Finnish companies have embraced this idea, recognizing that a happier and more rested workforce leads to increased productivity and creativity.

While these countries have taken steps towards a shorter workweek, it’s important to note that the implementation and availability of a 3-day weekend may vary depending on the industry and individual companies.

However, the growing recognition of the importance of work-life balance is a positive trend that benefits employees and employers alike.

Sources:

• https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20190807-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-four-day-working-week
• https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/12/this-is-why-finland-has-the-worlds-best-work-life-balance/

Conclusion

Many countries recognize the importance of work-life balance and mandate employee vacation time through three day weekend policies. While weekend policies vary, countries offering three day weekends include the UAE, Oman, Qatar and more in the Middle East, along with Ireland, India, and Norway.

If you’re looking for more free time and relaxation, consider a move to one of these countries with shortened work weeks!