Towards a 4-Day Week in Hospital Care: Exploring Staff Perspectives and the Role of Technology in a Local German Hospital

Abstract

The healthcare sector faces growing challenges in ensuring staff satisfaction and retention while maintaining high standards of patient care. One proposed solution is the introduction of a four-day workweek (4DW). This preliminary study investigates the organizational, technological, and experiential conditions under which a 4DW could be accepted and implemented in a hospital setting. The study was conducted in a semi-rural German hospital and is based on a participatory health research approach. Data were collected through observations, informal conversations, and semi-structured interviews with medical and nursing staff. Particular attention was given to workflow inefficiencies, hierarchical communication barriers, and the role of digitalization in relieving administrative workload. The findings indicate that a 4DW has the potential to improve job satisfaction and staff retention. However, successful implementation depends on structural readiness, participatory decision-making, and technological support. Digital tools, such as process automation and electronic documentation, can contribute to workflow optimization, but their effectiveness is shaped by organizational culture and employee acceptance.