Study after study consistently shows that shorter work weeks increase happiness and boost productivity among workers.
However, the Greek government remains unconvinced. Recently, it passed a law allowing companies to adopt a voluntary six-day work week in an effort to stimulate economic growth.
Why is Greece going against the global trend of reducing work hours?
Let’s dive into Greece’s controversial new law and explore whether other countries might follow suit.
Greece’s Six-Day Work Week Law Overview
Law 5053/2023 allows certain companies, especially those operating 24/7, to introduce an additional workday for their employees.
While this is entirely optional for companies, if an employer chooses to implement it, it must apply to all employees. Workers are also entitled to 40% extra pay for this additional day, giving them a financial incentive to work longer.
There are also safeguards in place to prevent exploitation.
Employers must give 24 hours’ notice before scheduling a new shift, and if workers have a part-time job, daily working hours cannot exceed 13 hours.
Why Is Greece Making This Move?
The decision to introduce a six-day work week is Greece’s latest strategy to revive its struggling economy.
After being one of the hardest-hit countries during the 2008 economic crisis, Greece is still working to recover. Wages are about one-third lower than pre-crisis levels, and many skilled workers are seeking better opportunities abroad using their Schengen passports.
The government aims to boost the economy by increasing working days and retaining high-skilled labor.
The Impact on Greek Workers
The introduction of a six-day work week brings both benefits and drawbacks for Greek workers.
On one hand, the opportunity to earn more could provide financial relief for some.
On the other hand, higher pay doesn’t always equate to better quality of life. Critics worry about the potential negative effects on worker well-being, including burnout, mental health challenges, and a worsening work-life balance. Some fear this policy could push workers to put in more hours without seeing significant improvements in their lives.
Does a Six-Day Work Week Increase Productivity?
The Greek government views a six-day work week as a way to improve productivity.
However, evidence suggests otherwise.
For example, Japan is known for its long working hours, with some salaried employees working 60 to 80 hours a week. Despite this, Japan’s productivity is among the lowest in the OECD.
Overwork can lead to a demoralized workforce, reduced efficiency, and diminished output. Prolonged work weeks may also result in higher healthcare costs and absenteeism, ultimately negating any potential productivity gains.
Are Other Countries Considering a Six-Day Work Week?
While Greece is moving toward a six-day work week, most other countries are shifting in the opposite direction.
Many nations, including Belgium, Spain, Austria, Brazil, Australia, the UK, the UAE, and the US, have either introduced or are testing four-day work weeks. These programs have shown that employees enjoy a better quality of life while maintaining, or even improving, productivity.
As more research supports the benefits of shorter work weeks, the four-day model may soon become the standard.
Will the Six-Day Work Week Become Common?
Although a six-day work week might help Greece address its economic challenges, it goes against the current trend favoring work-life balance.
If Greece’s experiment proves successful in spurring economic growth without severely impacting worker health, other companies or countries facing similar economic pressures might follow their example.
For now, however, you don’t need to worry about 50+ hour work weeks becoming the norm. The momentum is still behind flexible work schedules and shorter work weeks, which are likely to remain widespread.
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