Germany will test a scheme in which the working week is reduced to four days for six monthsin order to boost its production, diminished by the shortage of qualified labor.
There are 45 companies, according to DW and Euronews, that will benefit from the plan starting this month, led by the Berlin consulting firm Intraprenör and 4 Day Week Global (4DWG). Working just four days a week is expected to make workers happier and more productive.
According to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK, in its original language), in November, Half of the companies had difficulties filling vacancies, which caused the country to lose more than 90 billion euros (more than 2% of German GDP).
Furthermore, a Forsa survey indicates that 71% of workers would like to work only four days a week and in business, more than two out of three companies, on average, support the motion.
A complicated productivity situation
After reaching a all-time high of 105.20 points As of November 2017, Germany’s productivity has declined steadily, according to data from the Deutsche Bundesbank, although it remains higher than other major European economies.
In November 2023, the latest data available, productivity fell to 95.80 points from 96.79 points the previous month. According to supporters of the four-day work week and most workers who have already tried it, Working one day less a week would increase well-being and motivation of workers, making them more productive.
Working fewer hours per week could also convince those who are not willing to work a full week to join the workforce, contributing to reducing the current labor shortage affecting industrialized countries around the world.
With information from euronews.
Source: Larepublica
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