Greece to end five-day workweek system in an effort to boost productivity; new system to come into effect in July 2024
While countries around the world have seen productivity increases as a result of shortening work hours, Greece has gone against the trend and introduced a 48-hour work week, or 'six-day work week,' in order to dramatically increase productivity. The 48-hour work week has already come into effect on July 1, 2024.
Greece introduces 'growth-oriented' six-day working week | Greece | The Guardian
Greece has been in a debt crisis for about 10 years since the latter half of 2009, and as a result, it is estimated that about 500,000 educated young Greeks have emigrated abroad. As of 2022, Greece's population is 10.43 million, and the country is suffering from a labor shortage, which has the same impact as about 6 million people emigrated to Japan, which has a population of 125 million.
The Greek government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, places emphasis on pro-business policies, and in response to the twin crises of population decline and a shortage of skilled workers, a system to extend workers' working hours has become necessary.
The 48-hour workday is only applicable to private companies that provide 24-hour services, and they must pay an additional 40% premium for the extra 8 hours of work. Even if the company is subject to the 48-hour workday, managers can still adopt a 40-hour workday.
The Greek government has insisted that 'either system would solve the problem of unpaid overtime,' and Prime Minister Mitsotakis, speaking before parliament's approval, said, 'The core of the law is pro-worker,' and 'This law brings Greece in line with other European countries.'
In other developed countries, research has shown that a four-day work week increases productivity, and in Belgium, employees will be given the right to choose a four-day work week from 2022.
Belgium finally officially recognizes 'four-day work week' - GIGAZINE
Akis Sotiropoulos, executive committee member of the Adedi civil servant union, said, 'Increased productivity leads to better working conditions and improved quality of life, and we already know that increasing productivity requires fewer working hours, not more.' 'The 48-hour work week makes no sense at all.'
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