Public access and team size shape the future of the Azores’ four-day week

The future of the four-day week in the Azores’ regional public administration remains under review, despite the positive assessment presented by Délio Borges. He considers that the trial preserved or improved productivity while benefiting staff wellbeing. Public-facing duties, shift work and small teams nevertheless continue to present difficulties for implementing the model.

The reported results link shorter working hours with a better balance between professional and personal life. For employees and people using regional public services, the central issue is whether those benefits can be combined with reliable service delivery. The favourable assessment does not yet amount to a decision on continuing the trial.

In his interview with Açoriano Oriental, Borges highlighted changes in working methods, including streamlined processes, more selective use of meetings, and greater use of digital tools and artificial intelligence. He argued that these practices should be retained regardless of the working schedule eventually adopted.

The review also concerns an ageing workforce and difficulties recruiting younger staff. Across the archipelago, the challenge will be to assess which arrangements improve employees’ working conditions and service efficiency while taking account of different duties and team sizes.