What requirements are necessary to implement a 4-day week in Germany? What are the advantages and disadvantages for employees and providers? In this blog post, we would like to explore these questions in detail.
Is the 4-day week the working time model of the future?
The World of Work is facing major challenges, particularly with regard to shortages of skilled workers and the burden on employees. In order to counteract these problems, the discussion about reduced working hours has gained momentum. In particular, the 4-day week Has received increased attention in recent years and has been positively evaluated in various pilot projects.
What employees in Germany think of the 4-day week
Will the traditional 5-day week soon be a thing of the past? This was the question she wanted to ask Hans Böckler Foundation More closely followed up and interviewed more than 2,500 workers for their opinion. Die scores This wave of surveys shows that 80 percent of full-time employees would like a 4-day week.
However, the majority of employees (just under 73 percent) would like to continue to receive the same pay. However, only eight percent of those surveyed would agree to a lower wage. Around 17 percent stated that they were satisfied with their previous working time model of a 5-day week. And 2 percent of the full-time employees surveyed reported that they are already working a 4-day week.
Motives: That's why the desire for a 4-day week is growing
According to the survey, there are many reasons for wanting a 4-day week. The main reason is the desire for more free time — i.e. a better work-life balance. This reason is mentioned by almost all respondents. The opportunity to have more time for the family or to pursue hobbies and volunteer work are also important motivations for a shortened working week.
In addition, the respondents expect a lower workload of a 4-day week. Pilot projects Have already shown that both individual well-being and operational productivity can be increased by adapting work processes. This in turn has a positive effect on the work motivation of employees. A better work-life balance can also help employees stay with the company longer and to Fluctuation Is reduced.
What types of a 4-day week are there?
There are two main models of the 4-day week. In the first model, the full volume of work is spread over four days, which means longer working days. In the second model, working hours are reduced to four days while the duration of the day remains the same, with the salary usually being adjusted.
Criticism, Concerns & Challenges of the 4-Day Week
Despite many positive arguments, the introduction of a 4-day week also poses numerous challenges:
📉 Economic impact
Critics warn of a possible drop in productivity and financial burdens for companies. Less working time could mean fewer job offers.
🏢 The position of the BDA Employers' Association
The Association rejects a 4-day week with full pay compensation, but advocates flexible, company-specific solutions.
🔄 Adjustment of work processes
Companies would have to adapt their structures and processes, which could require investments in technology and automation.
⚖️ Industry dependency
In certain industries, such as the service sector or healthcare, it is difficult to implement a 4-day week.
Ultimately, it is up to companies and employees to decide on working time models, as long as the legal break regulation And other employment regulations are complied with.
Master the challenges of the 4-day week for your company with ZEP!
However, when introducing a 4-day week, employers must also consider various challenges, such as the need for an effective Attendance planning and ensuring adequate coverage during working hours.
It is important that there is a careful assessment of operational requirements and appropriate planning to ensure that a 4-day week is beneficial to both the company and employees.
The theme Time recording Plays a consistent role here, as in a 5-day week. However, with a flexible time recording system, such as ZEP, you can tailor work and break times individually to your work mode — and still remain legally on the safe side.
Where is the 4-day week already a great success?
The 4-day week is trending internationally, but in Germany there is the question of the need to further reduce working hours. With 25.9 working hours per week, including part time, Germans are already working significantly less than the EU average of 30.1 hours. Full-time employees work 40.5 hours a week, which differentiates the discussion about the 4-day week.
This is how the concept works in Great Britain 🇬🇧
In a successful pilot project in Great Britain, 61 companies reduced their working week from 5 to 4 days without adjusting salaries. 92 percent of employers were so satisfied that they retained the shorter working week, and 30 percent introduced the change permanently. Employees reported less burnout and improved physical health.
How does Iceland regulate the new working time model? 🇮🇸
Iceland introduced the 4-day week with working hours of 35-36 hours in pilot projects from 2015 to 2019, after the previous 44-45 hour weeks led to widespread stress and burnout. The results were impressive: productivity and service quality remained stable or improved, while the mental and physical health of employees significantly increased.
4-day week — advantages in the modern working world
Philipp Frey, labor researcher at KIT, emphasizes that the 4-day week leads to more motivated employees, an improved work-life balance, and easier recruitment. Even small improvements, such as fewer sleep problems and less stress, can be seen. It also shows that longer working hours reduce productivity and increase the risk of accidents in some industries.
Focus on benefits for employees
A 4-day week offers a range of Benefits for both employees and employers. One of the most important benefits is arguably an improved work-life balance. A shortened working week gives employees more free time, which they can use for personal matters, recreation, family time or hobbies. This can result in higher levels of satisfaction and an overall happier work environment.
In addition, it is argued that shorter working weeks can increase productivity. When workers have less time to complete their tasks, they are often more motivated, focused, and efficient. Another positive effect of a shortened working week (and therefore longer recovery time) is the potential reduction of sick leave. Through a better Work-life balance And a lower workload, workers can reduce stress and recover better physically and psychologically.
The Benefits for Employers in Focus
For employers, a 4-day week — even though it seems unlikely for now — also offers benefits that can contribute to a positive work environment and efficient company performance. Employee motivation and work ethic can be increased by offering employers the option of a shortened working week.
This opportunity also makes companies more attractive to new applicants. Because: Flexible working time models And a good work-life balance are becoming increasingly important to employees. A shortened working week can help position the company as an attractive employer and help attract talented specialists and — most importantly — retain them in the company!
What disadvantages can arise from the new working time model?
Despite mostly positive study results, there are critical voices about the 4-day week, particularly with regard to the macroeconomic consequences.
Philipp Frey, on the other hand, argues that the Shortage of skilled workers Is primarily due to poor working conditions and that the 4-day week can create better working conditions.
Conclusion
The 4-day week offers a number of benefits that could be significant for both employees and employers in Germany. By reducing the working week, employees could benefit from a significantly improved work-life balance, which leads to more free time, less stress and higher life satisfaction. This could have a positive effect on physical and mental health and increase productivity, as shorter working hours are often associated with higher motivation and more efficient work.
For Employers, the Model offers the opportunity to increase the attractiveness of the company, which can be of great advantage when recruiting and retaining talent. Implementing a 4-day week could also contribute to better employee retention and a healthier work environment. Even though there are challenges, such as possible economic consequences and adjustments to work processes, international experience shows that a well-thought-out introduction of the 4-day week can lead to significant benefits.
Overall, the 4-day week offers a promising approach to making the working world fit for the future and meeting the needs of modern workers. Through careful planning and adjustment, companies and employees can benefit equally from the positive effects.
