Despite the challenges this idea faces in other regions, such as Japan, four-day work week appears to be a viable option for Germany. A brief study conducted over six months in 45 enterprises demonstrated improvements in both well-being of the employees and their performance.
The study was carried out in collaboration with a non-profit organization named 4 Day Week Global (4DWG). The results were published in October, revealing that 73% of workers partaking in the pilot program would not like to return to traditional five-day work weeks. Companies also reaped benefits, with 70% reporting it was easier to recruit new employees.
The initiative aims to address the decline in productivity the country has faced in recent years. The ultimate goals of adopting a shorter work week are higher worker motivation and better employee engagement.
Two companies withdrew from the program before the trial was completed, citing economic difficulties unrelated to the reduced working hours, with another 20% opting to return to the traditional five-day work schedule. Researchers note that this implies the shorter work week is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Yet, it may be suitable for businesses looking to enhance employee satisfaction or improve their attractiveness as employers, as Julia Backmann, the lead researcher from the University of Münster, emphasizes.
Some companies, including Volkswagen, clearly oppose the approach and caution that implementing a four-day work week could lead to factory closures in Germany.
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Source(s)
4 Days Week Global (in English)