Greece has recently introduced legislation to implement a six-day workweek, marking a significant shift in the nation’s employment landscape. This new regulation, effective from July 1, aims to streamline and simplify administrative processes, reduce the probation period for new hires, and highlight the contributions of employees working overtime. Additionally, the legislation seeks to address the gaps in the skilled labour market by tackling the issue of undeclared work and offering free employee training as an incentive.
The new workweek structure allows certain industrial and manufacturing facilities, as well as businesses operating 24/7, to transition from a five-day to a six-day workweek. According to Emmanouil Savoidakis, head of the labour law practice at Politis & Partners in Athens, this change will mean a workweek consisting of 48 hours instead of the traditional 40. Employees will theoretically have the option to work additional hours if required by their employers, with the potential to earn higher wages for their extra efforts.
Colombia: 2,405
Mexico: 2,226
Costa Rica: 2,149
Chile: 1,963
Greece: 1,886
Russia: 1,874
United States: 1,811
Turkey: 1,732
Australia: 1,707
Japan: 1,607
EU Average: 1,571
United Kingdom: 1,532
France: 1,511
Austria: 1,444
Germany: 1,341
While the consensus in many European countries is to move towards fewer workweek hours to achieve a better work-life balance, Greece faces unique challenges, such as high unemployment rates and a declining population. Other countries like Germany, Belgium, France, the UK, Spain, and Iceland have been experimenting with alternative workweek structures, including four-day workweeks and maintaining full salary compensation while reducing the workload.
In Germany, for instance, Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company, and the train drivers’ union have agreed to gradually reduce the workweek from 38 to 35 hours. Similar demands for shorter workweeks are emerging in other sectors across Europe. However, Greece is adopting a different approach by extending the workweek to address its economic challenges.
This is not the first time Greece has considered a six-day workweek. During the debt crisis that began in 2009, creditors pushed for increased working hours as part of the austerity measures tied to the bailout packages. Although Greece did not implement a six-day workweek at that time, the current economic growth rate and reduced unemployment levels have prompted the government to revisit this idea. Reports from the European Commission predict a GDP growth rate of 2.2% this year and 2.3% next year, with unemployment expected to decrease from 10.1% to 9.7% by 2025.
Despite these positive economic indicators, Greece continues to struggle with brain drain, as many young professionals seek better opportunities abroad. The population is expected to decrease from 10.7 million in 2019 to around 10.4 million by 2029, further exacerbating the skilled labour shortage in critical industries such as agriculture, tourism, and construction.
Emmanouil Savoidakis notes that several corporate clients are already interested in adopting a six-day workweek to enhance their operational capacity and better serve their customers, particularly in industries facing labour shortages and high seasonal demand. However, Jens Bastian from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs cautions that this measure is a short-term solution and does not address Greece’s deeper economic challenges. Increasing working hours may not resolve long-term workforce shortages and serves as a cautionary example for other countries facing similar issues.
In conclusion, while Greece’s new six-day workweek legislation aims to boost the economy and address labour market challenges, it remains to be seen whether this approach will set a trend for other countries. The balance between achieving economic growth and ensuring a sustainable work-life balance continues to be a delicate and complex issue for policymakers across Europe.
