There’s been a lot of talk recently about the feasibility and value of a shorter workweek. Multiple factors have contributed to this. For one, advances in productive technologies like artificial intelligence and various forms of automation have already demonstrated significant potential in reducing the need for human labor. Additionally, the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread shift to remote work that followed have strongly influenced employees’ feelings toward work-life balance and their desire for greater flexibility.
Variation in Work Weeks Around the Globe
A number of European countries, including economic powerhouse Germany, have begun experimenting with the idea of a four-day workweek. But that doesn’t mean the entire continent is set to become a haven for a shorter week. In fact, in economically embattled Greece, at the southeastern edge of Europe, policymakers are moving in a decidedly different direction.
“Greece has introduced a six-day working week for certain industries in a bid to boost economic growth,” writes Michael Race in an article for BBC. “New legislation, which came into effect at the start of July, allows employees to work up to 48 hours in a week as opposed to 40. It only applies to businesses which operate on a 24-hour basis and is optional for workers, who get paid an extra 40% for the overtime they do.”
Drivers of a Longer Work Week
While this policy contrasts sharply with the trend elsewhere in Europe, the Greek government points to two key drivers for the change.
- First, there is a perceived need to crack down on underreporting of hours worked and the impact that underreporting has on tax revenues.
- Second, in the limited industries impacted by the six-day workweek legislation, there are few available workers to meet the demand.
The concept of a shorter workweek is gaining traction around the globe due to advances in productivity technologies and a shift in employee attitudes towards work-life balance post-COVID-19. While countries like Germany are experimenting with a four-day workweek, Greece is taking the opposite approach with a new six-day workweek policy in certain industries.
This divergence highlights differing economic needs and labor market conditions across Europe, underscoring the complexity of implementing uniform workweek policies. Balancing productivity, employee well-being, and economic growth remains a challenging but crucial endeavor for policymakers.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.
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