Germany cuts work week to four days to boost productivity | the world

Germany A plan to reduce the working week to four days will be implemented for six months, with a view to reducing chronic labor shortages.

The experiment will allow employees of 45 companies across the country to work one day less a week Salary .

The initiative, which includes only companies that can adapt to a shorter working week, is led by the Berlin management consultancy “Intraprenör” and has the cooperation of the non-profit organization “4 Day Week Global” (4DWG).

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According to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK, in its original language), in November, half Companies They faced difficulties in filling vacancies, causing the country to lose more than 90 billion euros (2% of German GDP).

They hope to be happier and more productive

Guardians work week At a time when Germany faces slow productivity growth and labor shortages, they believe a four-day work week will make workers happier and more productive.

A Forsa survey indicates that 71% of workers want to work only four days a week and in business, more than two-thirds of companies on average support the move.

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Complex production situation in working environment

After reaching an all-time high of 105.20 points in November 2017, productivity Germany According to data from the Deutsche Bundesbank, it has fallen steadily, although it is still higher than other major economies in Europe.

In November 2023, according to the latest data, productivity fell to 95.80 points from 96.79 points in the previous month.

According to the four-day work week and most supporters workers For those who have already tried, working one less day a week can increase workers' well-being and motivation, making them more productive.

Working fewer hours per week can help reduce the current labor shortages that plague industrialized nations around the world by allowing people who don't want to work a full week to join the workforce.