As of Monday July 1st, Greek employees who work in certain sectors will be able to work a six-day workweek and get paid for 48 hours of work instead of 40.
Greece’s decision to implement a six-day workweek is aimed at making up for skilled labor shortage and curbing black market labor. By increasing working days, the government aims to enhance productivity and attract foreign investment.
More importantly, it should lead to economic recovery after years of high unemployment and slow growth rates. Given that with the current inflation rates, many Greeks are forced to work two jobs to make ends meet, it is expected that a number of people will jump at the chance offered them by the new law.
The Greek government’s decision has sparked significant debate, raising questions about its potential as a working model to boost productivity and lead to economic recovery. However, it raises concerns about worker rights and overall well-being.
The six-day workweek applies only to certain industrial and manufacturing facilities, such as factories and small industries as well as businesses providing 24/7 services. Tourism and food service industries are excluded from the six-day workweek.
The six-day workweek is not mandatory. Yet, critics argue that some employees will agree to work six days in fear that if they refuse they might lose their job to others who are willing to work more hours.
By implementing the new workweek, the Greek government looks like it’s going to the opposite direction from other European countries. While countries like Germany, Belgium, France, the UK, Spain and Iceland have either reduced the five-day workload to less than 40 hours, or squeezed the 40 hours to four days, asking employees to work 10-hour shifts and work only four days.
Benefits and concerns of a six-day workweek
Proponents argue that a six-day workweek could lead to several benefits. First of all an extra day translates to higher output, helping businesses to meet their customer’s demands more efficiently and boost the sluggish Greek economy. Furthermore, the six-day workweek would limit undeclared labor
At the same time, the extra day in the week will give current employees the chance to earn an extra day’s wages if they choose so. Also, it will encourage companies to hire more staff to handle the increased workload, potentially reducing unemployment rates. The increased workforce of Greek companies will boost production, thereby they could become more attractive to foreign investors.
Although rare in the kind of jobs that the Greek government allows a six-day workweek, some people who love the particular jobs may be willing to work more hours because they get the satisfaction of getting paid more for something that they love to do. Also, working six days a week may help someone to get promoted and overall advance their career in the sector they work in.
However, working six days a week raises several concerns. Most important of these is the employee’s well-being. An extended workweek could create stress and burnout among employees that could be detrimental to their mental health.
The sixth day may be a burden to someone who is forced to do it for earning the extra money. That would reduce the job’s satisfaction and that person may not be as productive as he or she should be on the sixth day. In the long run, that person might become disengaged from their work and simply go through the motions.
The six-day workweek also means that the worker will have only one day free in the week. Only one day of rest out of seven is not good for one’s physical and mental health. Also, the employee’s personal life is limited to one day in which they have to balance time spent with their family and rest or leisure activities. If the employee is single, it is harder to find a partner or have a fulfilling social life. Overall, one free day in a week deteriorates the quality of life for many.
Examples from other countries
Examining other countries that have experimented with longer workweeks can provide valuable insights. For instance, South Korea, known for its rigorous work culture, has faced severe issues related to worker stress and declining birth rates, prompting the government to reduce working hours in recent years.
Conversely, countries like Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Norway and others, which have implemented shorter workweeks, report higher levels of productivity and worker satisfaction.
For Greece, the six-day workweek is an experiment. in what numbers will employees join the join the new program/ Will they be as productive? Will workers have adequate protection to prevent exploitation and employers maintain ethical labor practices? Will there be a balance between economic objectives and the holistic well-being of the workforce?
Most certainly, Greece’s experiment will be examined by economists, labor experts, and governments worldwide. Greece is not the only country with high unemployment and low wages. Those who will be watching Greece’s labor practices and financial growth from now on will be informed, each drawing conclusions in a rapidly evolving global labor market.