International Conference on Working Time Reduction
24th and 25th of September 2026
University of Porto, Reitoria, Portugal
24/09/2026 - Presentations from the submitted abstracts will occur on this day
25/09/2026 - European Work-Time Network event
Welcome!
Dear Colleagues,
We are excited to announce the 1st International Conference on Working Time Reduction taking place in the University of Porto, Portugal on the 24th and 25t of September 2026.
Debates on reducing and reorganizing working time have intensified in the context of pandemic-driven shifts in work, growing concerns about burnout, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence. This conference aims to bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to critically examine these transformations and to share empirical evidence, theoretical insights, and policy perspectives on working time reduction across different contexts.
From instruments such as the four-day working week, to reduced daily hours, flexible scheduling arrangements, and collective working time regulations, the conference welcomes contributions that explore the impacts, challenges, and opportunities of working time reduction at individual, organizational, sectoral, and societal levels.
We warmly invite contributions from a wide range of disciplines and methodological approaches, including but not limited to: Economics, Sociology, Human Resource Management, Psychology, Anthropology.
Location: University of Porto - Reitoria
Praça de Gomes Teixeira, 4099-002 Porto
The conference will take place in the main building of the University of Porto, a historic building located in the downtown area.
Contact: wtrconferenceporto@gmail.com
Prof. Juliet Schor
University of Boston
Prof. Juliet Schor is a leading economist and sociologist at Boston College, known globally for her pioneering work on working hours, consumption, and the future of labor. She is one of the principal researchers behind the international four‑day week trials, providing the most comprehensive evidence to date on the impacts of working time reduction. Her studies show how shorter weeks can improve well‑being, strengthen productivity, and reshape organizational practices. Schor’s innovative, data‑driven approach has made her one of the most influential voices in today’s movement for rethinking work.
Prof. Brendan Burchell
University of Cambridge
Prof. Brendan Burchell is a sociologist and social psychologist at the University of Cambridge, widely known for his research on work, employment conditions, and the psychological impacts of labor market change. His work has been central to understanding how working hours shape well‑being, job quality, and economic security. Burchell played a leading role in the major UK four‑day week trial, providing evidence on how reduced working time affects productivity, stress, and organizational functioning. His research stands out for combining quantitative depth with real‑world experimentation, making him a key figure in contemporary debates on working time reduction.
Key dates
Event
24th and 25th of September 2026
Abstract submissions close
31st of May
Affiliated Institutions
