A majority of workers don't think a four-day working week will become a reality for several years.
It comes as a new survey by Hays Ireland found 95% of professionals think a four-day working week would be a good idea.
Meanwhile, the number of workplaces that have either implemented or are trialling the shorter work week has dropped from 6% in 2022 to 3.5% in 2023.
Some 81% believe a four-day working week will become a reality within the next 10 years.
Hays Ireland Operations Director Maureen Lynch told Breakfast Briefing the proposal is not something employers want to see.
"There are concerns from an employer perspective... over half are concerned about the potential impact on productivity," she said.
"A similar number were not prepared to change for operational reasons [and] then one-in-five are concerned about financial reasons".
'Compressed five-day week'
Ms Lynch said a similar number of employers also worried about what the change would mean for workers.
"Often four-day weeks are a compressed five-day week, so that potentially could increase the pressure on staff," she said.
She said a shorter week is not something that people looking for work are expecting: "Quite a large number - over 80% - feel it's a long way off.
"Just under 20% feel it's never going to happen - so it's not very much in the psyche of Irish professionals yet, but let's see what happens".
A person looking at a wristwatch with an overlay of a clock face. Picture by: Quality Stock / Alamy Stock PhotoThe survey also looked at what people would do with an extra day during the week.
"The majority said they would use the extra day for leisure time, including exercise and hobbies," Ms Lynch said.
"Interestingly enough as well, three-quarters said they would spend time on life admin and 70% said they would spend time with family and friends.
"Just over half spoke about self-development and learning a new language, and then one-in-five would choose to volunteer," she added.
