Greece Introduces Six-Day Workweek

Greece reportedly has become the first European Union country to introduce a six-day workweek. The move is intended to boost worker productivity.

We’ve gathered articles on the news from SHRM Online and other outlets.

Regulation Has Taken Effect

Under the regulation, which took effect July 1, employees of private businesses that provide round-the-clock service as well as certain industrial and manufacturing facilities will have the option of working an additional two hours per day or an extra eight-hour shift. The change means a traditional 40-hour workweek could be extended to 48 hours per week for some businesses. Food service and tourism workers are not included in the six-day workweek initiative.

(CNBC)

Talent Shortage

Unions criticized the measure, but the government said the change was needed due to Greece’s shrinking population and a shortage of skilled workers. Under the extended workweek, eligible staff will be rewarded with a top-up fee of 40% added to their daily wage.

(The Guardian)

Prime Minister Defends Measure

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called the new workweek “worker friendly” and meant to ensure that employees are compensated for overtime while cracking down on undeclared work. Greek employees were already working an average of 41 hours a week, according to statistics compiled by the European Union agency Eurostat.

(UPI)

EU Working Time Directive

The measure “brings Greece in line with the rest of Europe,” Mitsotakis said.

The EU’s working time directive requires member states to guarantee a 48-hour limit to weekly work hours, including overtime.

“It is important to note that this measure does not affect in any way the established five-day working week mandated by law,” a spokeswoman for Greece’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security said. “Instead, it serves to address urgent operational demands that cannot be met through the available supply of specialized workers.”

(BBC)

Four-Day Workweek

Greece’s move is happening as some companies consider four-day workweeks. Some businesses in Belgium, France, Germany, Iceland, and Spain have experimented with shorter workweeks for certain employees. However, most employers are sticking to a standard schedule.

(SHRM Online and DW)