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 worker motivation and engagement, reducing stress and sick days. A UK pilot saw 35% less stress and 57% fewer resignations.
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The UK pilot also saw revenue increases average 1.4% across most participating companies. Most want to continue 4-day weeks.
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Skeptics question if results apply economy-wide. Concentrated work in less time may hurt social and creative job aspects long-term.
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The model likely won't suit many frontline industries like healthcare and transportation that operate on fixed schedules.