While the four-day workweek has picked up steam in many European countries and even at some U.S. companies, Greece is going in the opposite direction.
The country’s new legislation, which took effect this week, introduced a six-day workweek for businesses that operate 24 hours with the goal of boosting productivity. Workers have the option to work up to 48 hours per week, and those who work the extra day will get a 40 percent bump in overtime pay.
The plan bucks the trend of shortening the workweek to four days, which research has shown benefits productivity and employee well-being and satisfaction. Greece’s government suggests the move will relieve labor shortages, ensure workers get paid for overtime and address tax evasion issues as it relates to undeclared work. But worker advocates say that Greece’s new legislation probably won’t produce the desired results and instead could cause unintended consequences such as high turnover, burnout, illness and even death.
“It definitely feels like a step in the wrong direction and shortsighted,” said Malissa Clark, director of the University of Georgia’s Healthy Work Lab, which studies work-life balance. “We know long work hours are detrimental to employee health.”
In the U.S., 77 percent of workers believe a four-day, 40-hour workweek would have an extremely or somewhat positive effect on their well-being, according to a recent Gallup survey. U.S. companies that have piloted or adopted shortened workweeks say they have seen the benefits.
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Danielle Abril
Danielle Abril covers how technology is impacting the way we work and how companies are using artificial intelligence and other tools to exert more control over us. Read the latest from Danielle Abril or email her at danielle.abril@washpost.com.
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In many parts of Asia and other developing countries, a six-day work week is routine. But globally, more countries are also looking at slashing hours. France is among the most recent countries to pilot a four-day workweek, and Belgium became the first country to officially approve the shortened week back in 2022. Other countries that have been experimenting with the four-day workweek include Iceland, Japan and South Africa.
But hurdles to the wide adoption of the shorter week persist as many worry about staffing issues, potential productivity drops, increased costs and complex changes to operations.
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Greece’s move goes against much research that shows increasing hours actually hurts productivity rather than boosts it, said Brigid Schulte, director of the work-family justice program Better Life Lab at think tank New America. Instead, increasing hours often leads to workers making more mistakes, being slower on tasks, and suffering from exhaustion, stress and illness.
“The proof will be in the evidence,” Schulte said. “If all of a sudden Greece turns around its economy, maybe people will take a second look. But I don’t think that will happen.”
Schulte also said policies like this often hurt caregivers and women, which then lowers employee and leadership diversity and increases the gender pay gap.
Greece’s legislation opens the door to allowing people to work a 48-hour workweek but does not require it. And European Union laws require employers to ensure employees don’t exceed 48 hours per week on average, including overtime. But Clark says Greece’s legislation only creates the perception of choice because the increase in pay incentivizes people to work longer.
“You’re making it difficult to turn [the pay] down,” she said. “Also what are the norms and expectations going to be in the organization?”
While Greece is going against the grain and adoption of the shorter workweek has been slow, Schulte and Clark say future trends probably indicate fewer working hours versus more. Companies will continue learning how to make their processes more efficient, leverage tech and discover the benefits to workers and profits, they predict.
“It’s like an organizational excellence mission in disguise,” Schulte said. “Shorter work hours is better for business, people and the economy, if you do it right.”
What do you think the workweek should look like? Let me know at danielle.abril@washpost.com.
FAQs
Greece's new law gives employers in some industries, including businesses that offer 24/7 services, the right to compel employees to work a sixth day in return for an additional 40 percent of their daily wage added to their regular daily wage on the extra working day.
How many hours a week do people in Greece work? ›
Greece had the longest average workweek in the European Union last year. Working-age people spent an average of 39.8 hours at their jobs, compared with the bloc's average of 36.1 hours.
Why should we switch to a four-day work week? ›
Better work-life balance: Giving employees an extra personal day allows them to work on personal projects, hobbies, and spend more time with their families. Working long hours contributes to stress, which in turn can have negative health effects on workers.
What is the problem with a four-day work week? ›
Stress could increase with a 4 day work week
The disadvantages of a 4-day work week vary depending on whether hours are compressed or reduced. The problem with 10-hour work days is that people can only focus and work effectively for so long before diminishing returns set in.
How many working days are there in Greece? ›
Greece's new 6-day workweek bucks a trend An employee who must work on a sixth day would be paid 40% overtime, according to the new law.
What is the hourly wage in Greece? ›
Minimum wages by country
| Country | Monthly minimum wage | Hourly rate (gross) |
|---|
| Net (EUR) | Local |
|---|
| Greece | 834 (12-month) | €5.81 |
| Hungary | 450/ 550 (sk.) | 1,534 Ft |
| Ireland | 1916 | €12.70 |
14 more rowsThe government has also said that establishing formal rules about a six-day working week helps eradicate undeclared work and is meant to increase employees' income, according to a statement from the country's Ministry of Labour in June.
Does Germany have a four day work week? ›
Germany's 4 day work week
Factually, there is still no widespread 4 day work week in Germany, or a right to it. Currently, 45 German companies are trialing a 4 day work week as part of 4 Day Week Global's national partner program. It is also often the subject of negotiations by trade unions (e.g., ver.
Is a 4 day work week healthier? ›
A 4 day work week reduces stress
Return on Focus (ROF), a company that moved to a 4 day work week, found that their employees experienced decreased levels of burnout (64%) and stress (38%), as well as improved mental (43%) and physical (37%) health.
Will the US ever have a four-day work week? ›
Is the U.S. on the cusp of a big shift to four-day workweeks? No. Of the 482 managers at firms that don't currently offer four-day workweeks, two-thirds said there is no chance their firms will offer them by the end of 2024. The other one-third say the chances are only 16 percent, on average.
10 countries with 4-day work weeks
- Belgium. The catch is that total working hours remains the same in a 4-day work week as it is in a 5-day work week - 40 hours. ...
- Netherlands. While there is no official mandate, people work for 29 hours a week. ...
- Denmark. ...
- Australia. ...
- Japan. ...
- Spain. ...
- United Kingdom. ...
- Iceland.
What is the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act and where did it come from? The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act (originally known as AB 2932 or Assembly Bill 2932) was a legislative bill that, if passed, would require employees in California to work four days instead of five.
What hours do Greek people work? ›
Greeks already work the longest hours in Europe, putting in an average 41 hours a week according to the EU's statistics agency, Eurostat, although surveys have also proved they get paid much less.
Do Greeks work on Saturday? ›
A six-day working week will be the new norm for Greeks in select industries the government has allowed to impose extended hours. Under legislation that came into effect in Greece last Monday, it's up to employers to choose whether to extend the work week to six days — from 40 hours to the European Union limit of 48.
What is the work ethic in Greece? ›
Greek society is rooted in tradition and community ties, responsibility, and respect for authority, and these values carry over into the workplace. Therefore, Greek people tend to be hard-working, loyal employees who take pride in their work and are good team players.
What is normal wage in Greece? ›
The average salary in Greece was 16,235 euros per year in 2021, compared with 16,178 in 2020. During this time period, wages in Greece were at their lowest in 2014, when the annual wage was 16,929, and highest in 2009, when it average earnings were 21,606 per year.
Does Greece have a good work life balance? ›
Greeks aspire to a healthier work-life balance.
This has led to Greece becoming the country with the longest working hours in the European Union, averaging 42.3 hours per week.
Is 500 enough for a week in Greece? ›
A Sensible Budget
Aim to spend 150 – 250 euro on events if you buy them from ticket sellers, hotel reps or outside the clubs in Zante. So, that's about 600 euro for a week which is about £500. You can do a week easily on £300 if you have a couple of quiet nights and you're not a massive drinker.
What is the maximum working hours in Greece? ›
Greece has introduced a six-day working week for certain industries in a bid to boost economic growth. New legislation, which came into effect at the start of July, allows employees to work up to 48 hours in a week as opposed to 40.
