Greece has controversially introduced a six-day working week for certain businesses in a bid to boost productivity and employment in the southern European country. The regulation, which came into force on 1 July, contrasts with a global trend of companies exploring shorter working weeks.
Extended hours for specific sectors
Under the new legislation, employees of private businesses that provide round-the-clock services will have the option of working an additional two hours per day or an extra eight-hour shift.
This change means a traditional 40-hour workweek could extend to 48 hours for some businesses. Notably, food service and tourism workers are excluded from this six-day working week initiative.
Government’s perspective
The pro-business government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has described the measure as both “worker-friendly” and “deeply growth-orientated.”
It aims to support employees who are not sufficiently compensated for overtime work and to help address the problem of undeclared labour.
Labour unions and critics respond
Labour unions and political observers have sharply criticised the move.
According to data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Greek employees worked an average of 1,886 hours in 2022, more than the US average of 1,811 and the EU average of 1,571.
John O’Brennan, professor of EU Law at Maynooth University, Ireland, stated,
Greek people already work the longest hours per week in Europe. Now they may be forced to work a sixth day, after this Greek [government] decision…It is ridiculous, set against the move to four-day weeks in most civilised countries.
Four-day working week gains traction globally
In contrast to Greece’s new regulation, a report published by think tank Autonomy earlier this year highlighted the success of the world’s largest trial of a four-day working week. Most companies involved in the trial have made the policy permanent.
All consulted project managers and CEOs of the participating companies reported a positive impact on their organisation, with more than half describing the impact as “very positive.”
The report also noted concerns from staff in firms where the additional day off was only weakly guaranteed or provided on the condition of meeting certain targets.
Diverging paths in labour reforms
While Greece pushes towards longer working hours, many countries are exploring shorter workweeks to enhance productivity and work-life balance.
The divergent paths in labour reforms highlight varying approaches to addressing economic and workforce challenges.
Economic context and future implications
The Greek government’s decision comes in the context of efforts to revitalise an economy that has struggled with high unemployment and a significant informal sector. By extending working hours, the government aims to enhance productivity and formalise labour practices.
The move has sparked debates about the impact on workers’ well-being and the broader implications for Greece’s labour market.
Critics argue that the policy may exacerbate stress and reduce quality of life for employees, potentially leading to higher burnout rates.
As Greece implements this new labour policy, it will be essential to monitor its effects on both productivity and employee welfare.
The outcomes may influence future labour reforms and set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar economic and workforce issues.
Greece’s introduction of a six-day working week for some businesses represents a significant shift in labour policy, contrasting sharply with global trends towards shorter workweeks.
While the government views the measure as a way to boost productivity and formalise labour, critics warn of potential negative impacts on workers’ well-being.
The long-term effects of this policy will be closely watched, offering lessons for other nations considering similar reforms.
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