German Companies Launch 6-Month, 4-Day Workweek Trial to Test Productivity and Address Labor Shortages
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Companies in Germany are launching a 6-month pilot of a 4-day workweek while maintaining full pay to test if it increases productivity and helps address labor shortages.
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Advocates argue shorter weeks increase employee engagement and productivity, citing evidence from trials in other countries showing drops in stress and resignations.
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Revenue rose 1.4% on average for most companies testing 4-day weeks in the UK, but some economists are skeptical the results apply economy-wide.
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Industries like healthcare and transportation may struggle with a standardized 4-day week due to the need for round-the-clock services.
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IG Metall union supports shorter working hours, which have already been implemented in Germany's steel industry at just 35 hours per week.