As Ireland gears up for a pivotal general election on November 29th, ICE Group, Galway’s leading recruitment and training consultancy, is urging political candidates across all parties to champion a transformative four-day workweek policy.
With councils in England now given the freedom to adopt this model, ICE Group Founder and former Senator Margaret Cox believes Ireland must seize this moment to make the four-day week a national priority, setting the stage for a better work-life balance, stronger families, and a more competitive economy.
“Politicians have a choice this election: they can support a policy that offers real, measurable benefits for the wellbeing of Irish families and communities, or they can let Ireland fall behind,” said Cox.
“ICE Group has seen firsthand the productivity and morale boosts that come from a four-day week, as the first organisation to adopt this model in Galway and internationally. By including the four-day work week on their manifestos, candidates have the opportunity to show they’re committed to building a more balanced, family-friendly Ireland.”
Ireland is primed for such an initiative, especially following recent trials in England, where reduced hours led to a 39% drop in staff turnover and substantial taxpayer savings.
ICE Group’s influential book, The 3 Day Weekend, has helped countless organisations in Ireland and beyond adopt this approach, proving it’s not only viable but beneficial. With its pioneering work in Ireland and close ties to four-day week advocates in Australia and the US, ICE Group envisions this policy as essential to addressing Ireland’s recruitment and talent challenges.
“We’re asking politicians to recognise that the nine-to-five, five-day model, created over a century ago, no longer meets the needs of today’s workforce. The four-day week provides Irish employees with a healthier balance, and Irish businesses with the recruitment and retention edge they desperately need,” Cox continued. “If we’re serious about making Ireland a more attractive place to work and live, we need our leaders to put this policy on the political agenda.”
Leading Irish business development consultant Pádraic Ó Máille supports ICE Group’s call for action.
“Implementing a four-day work week isn’t simply about reducing hours; it’s about making Ireland a beacon for work-life balance, satisfaction, and effectiveness,” Ó Máille stated. “Companies that embrace this policy experience increased loyalty and innovation—qualities we need to keep our economy strong. By endorsing this policy, our politicians can help make Ireland a model for progressive work culture.”
ICE Group invites all parties to support this bold, family-friendly policy and prioritize the four-day workweek in their election manifestos. For a healthier, more sustainable Ireland, it’s time to take action.
For more information, please contact us at success@icegroup.ie
#4DayWeek #FourDayWeek #3DayWeekend