It is being practise for well-being, happiness, and, productivity.
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| photo- buzzfeed. |
As part of the trial, approximately 45 companies, spanning various sectors, are participating in this ambitious experiment. The endeavor seeks to test the assertions of labor unions that a shorter workweek could not only enhance the health and satisfaction of the workforce but also elevate productivity levels.
Sören Fricke, co-founder of Solidsense, an event planning company at the forefront of this trial, expressed his confidence in the concept of 'new work': "I’m absolutely convinced that investments in ‘new work’ pay off because they increase well-being and motivation, subsequently increasing efficiency. The four-day week, if it works, won’t cost us anything either in the long run."
This initiative reflects a larger trend in the German labor market, grappling with a scarcity of skilled workers. The ongoing shortage, coupled with elevated inflation, has empowered employees across various industries to seek not only wage increases but also to safeguard the flexibility and autonomy gained during the pandemic.
The imbalance between supply and demand for skilled labor is giving rise to tensions between employers and employees. Currently, Germany is witnessing a six-day strike by train drivers, advocating for a reduction in the workweek to 35 hours from 38 hours without any reduction in wages. Simultaneously, the construction union is pushing for a wage increase of over 20%, a move that economists caution might contribute to inflation.
A survey conducted last year by an industry lobby revealed that half of German companies are struggling to fill vacancies. Giants like SAP SE and Vonovia SE are adapting to the shortage by reconsidering hiring criteria and recruiting talent globally.
The demographic challenge looms large, with over 7 million people expected to exit the German labor force by 2035 due to declining birth rates and immigration. Henning Roeper, managing director of Eurolam, a window manufacturing company participating in the program, emphasized the necessity of modernizing companies to retain a workforce, stating, "I can either get involved and position myself as a modern company, or I can say that we all have to work more and at some point I won’t have anyone left to work for me."
The potential benefits of a 4-day work week extend beyond productivity gains. According to the New Zealand-based non-profit 4 Day Week Global, which is leading the pilot, reduced stress, illness-related absences, and burnout could contribute to a more engaged and healthier workforce. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that the average 21.3 days Germans were unable to work in 2022 resulted in a staggering €207 billion loss in value added.
Proponents of the 4-day work week argue that it could attract untapped potential in the German labor market, particularly among part-time workers, including women. Germany, despite having the largest economic output in Europe, faces challenges in innovation and digitization. Enzo Weber, an economist at the Institute for Labor Market Research in Nuremberg, suggests that without improvements in these areas, simply cutting back hours may not lead to significant productivity boosts for German workers.
Seven Countries with 4-day Work Week
In a global context, the
initiative aligns with a growing trend post-COVID-19, where offices are
adapting to new working models. While some opt for a return to the traditional
office setup, the allure of a 4-day work week culture is gaining traction.
Germany joins a list of developed countries like Belgium, the Netherlands,
Denmark, Australia, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom, each exploring
variations of reduced working hours to enhance work-life balance and overall
employee satisfaction. As Germany pioneers this experiment, the world watches
with anticipation to see if the 4-day work week will indeed become a catalyst
for positive change in the workplace.
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