The notion of condensing the traditional workweek has garnered positive responses among workers, supported by studies and pilot projects indicating potential benefits such as heightened job satisfaction, improved well-being, and sustained productivity.
Nevertheless, a divergent perspective exists, with numerous voices expressing reservations on key aspects of this evolving work paradigm. This article delves into the core arguments advocating and challenging the implementation of a four-day work week in the context of Germany.
What does a 4-day work week mean?
The 4-day work week is fundamentally an employment model that entails working four days a week. The idea primarily stems from a more conscious approach to time, health, and quality of life. The shift in focus is significant: while workers used to live to work, today people tend to engage in their professional activities to live or afford certain standards of leisure time.
The 4-day model is relatively new and was first widely adopted by startups and progressive companies in the 2010s. The rise of digitisation, remote work, and hybrid teams significantly contribute to the increasing relevance of this approach. However, a legal framework for it is currently only present in a few countries.
Will Germany adopt the 4-day work week soon?
Demands for a shorter workweek in Germany are growing, supported by compelling arguments backed by facts. Whether the proponents will ultimately succeed is still uncertain. A pilot project is underway, where companies from various sectors can apply to test the concept for six months.
A Berlin-based business consultancy is organising the project, with involvement from the organisation Four Day Week Global, which has conducted similar studies in other countries.
The outcome will be a scientific evaluation, but at this point, it’s not clear if and where the 4-day work week will be implemented. Specifics about a potential legal framework are currently unknown.
How does the 4-day work week function?
There are different approaches under discussion in Germany. The two most common variants are:
Same workload, fewer days: In this approach, the typical workload is completed in four days instead of five. Employees usually have to work longer hours on the remaining days, typically increasing from eight to ten hours. The pay remains the same.
Reduced workload, fewer days: The second variant involves working four days with the same standard hours, usually eight hours per day. One workday is eliminated, but the pay remains unchanged.
When discussing the 4-day work week in Germany today, it usually refers to these models. However, there is also a discussion about a salary reduction for the missing day.
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Where is the 4-day work week already implemented?
Working four days a week is becoming more common and has already been adopted in Germany, although often on a voluntary basis by individual companies rather than being a legally mandated approach.
For instance, a major software developer in Hamburg voluntarily offers a 32-hour workweek instead of the typical 40-hour workweek with the same pay. In creative and digital professions, shorter work hours are already quite common. The trend is spreading to the trades as well, with job postings and positions associated with the term “4-day work week” becoming more attractive to top professionals.
Legally, Belgium has anchored the 4-day work week since the end of 2022. Employees have the option to complete their regular workload in four days instead of five. Alternatively, they can reduce the number of hours with a proportional reduction in salary.
Iceland is a pioneer in this regard, with a model project starting in 2015. Today, approximately 90 percent of Icelandic workers reportedly follow reduced working hours.
What are the pros and cons of a 4-day work week?
For a while now, the business and scientists from various fields have been examining the potential impacts of a 4-day work week. Several studies have highlighted significant advantages, but certain disadvantages have also been identified.
Advantages of a 4-day work week:
- Motivation: Research suggests that this model leads to greater motivation among employees, providing a better work-life balance and making it particularly appealing to top professionals.
- Efficiency & effectiveness: The reduced work hours are believed to significantly boost productivity. Shorter work periods are less draining, allowing energy to be used more efficiently and effectively over four days.
- Reduced absenteeism: Participants in model projects in various European countries reported higher overall satisfaction, balance, and health in a 4-day work week, resulting in fewer absences.
- Gender equality: A positive effect on the gender balance has been observed. Typically, women are expected to work fewer days a week and take on more caregiving responsibilities. A general adoption of a 4-day work week could help address this imbalance, by allowing men to take up care giving duties.
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Disadvantages of a 4-day work week:
- Overall economic productivity loss: Critics express concerns about potential overall economic consequences. Many economic experts agree that maintaining or even increasing productivity may be challenging if 20 percent of traditional work hours are eliminated.
- Reduced retirement benefits: If wages are reduced and more people are employed to cover the remaining workload, individuals may end up with lower retirement benefits.
- Conflict with existing labor laws: Safety concerns are raised by experts due to the more rigid limitation of workdays. According to current laws, such as in Germany, working more than ten hours per day is prohibited. There is a significant risk of not only overtime but also legally prohibited excessive work in this context.
How realistic is a 4-day work week?
A comprehensive evaluation is needed after the six-month trial period. If the results show a clear positive trend, authorities and policymakers will be involved. However, implementing a legally mandated 4-day work week globally will require years of drafting and passing suitable legislation.
Therefore, the legal 4-day work week is still a model for the future or more of an approach for specific industries. Even after the ongoing pilot project, a widespread reduction in working hours is unlikely.
Conclusion
Currently, companies with a 4-day work week are particularly attractive to many talents. In various industries, more and more companies are likely to adopt such models, if not the exact 4-day work week, as a solution to the shortage of skilled workers.
Considering the many advantages, this approach could indeed hold value for businesses. Whether a legally regulated 4-day work week will be established globally remains to be seen. For now, it will be up to employers to offer their employees a reduction in working hours or other attractive work models.