A recent study conducted by Ghent University at IKEA Belgium has shed light on the implications of condensing workweeks into fewer days in order to provide employees with more days off. The research challenges common assumptions about the benefits of compressed work schedules and examines their impact on employee well-being.
Compressed work schedules, where employees work longer hours on fewer days to secure extra time off, have been gaining popularity as a means to enhance work-life balance and combat burnout. Following a national labor reform that introduced the option of compressed schedules, researchers from Ghent University monitored Belgian IKEA employees through multiple data collection waves to assess psychological detachment from work, work-related exhaustion, and burnout risk.
The findings, published in BMC Public Health, reveal a nuanced perspective on the effectiveness of compressed work schedules. While the study suggests that compressed schedules help employees detach from work psychologically, allowing them to take mental breaks and think less about work during their free time, it does not significantly reduce the risk of burnout as initially anticipated.
According to researcher Louis Lippens, the additional day off provided by compressed schedules functions as a “micro-vacation,” offering employees a brief mental reset and more time for personal activities. However, the study emphasizes that without addressing the underlying stressors and demands in the work environment, the risk of burnout remains unaddressed.
The results underscore the importance of adopting holistic approaches to prevent burnout, with a focus on implementing measures that improve the overall work environment. Employers are urged to combine flexible scheduling options with strategies such as workload management, supportive policies, and mental health initiatives to promote employee well-being effectively.
Lead researcher Kristen du Bois emphasizes that while compressed work schedules can aid in helping employees detach from work during their free time, a comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle burnout effectively. The study suggests that while these schedules can provide temporary relief, addressing workplace stressors is crucial in preventing long-term burnout symptoms.
In conclusion, the study at IKEA Belgium highlights the potential benefits of compressed work schedules in facilitating employee recovery and work-life balance. However, it also emphasizes the importance of addressing broader workplace challenges to create a sustainable well-being strategy for employees.
More information:
Kristen du Bois et al, Time Tetris: a longitudinal study on compressed schedules and workplace well-being at IKEA, BMC Public Health (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-21323-4
