Germany Launches Major Trial of 4-Day Work Week to Test Productivity and Wellbeing
• Germany launching 6-month trial of 4-day work week from Feb 1st involving 45 companies to test productivity and worker wellbeing • Aims to address labor shortage and keep workers happier and healthier to boost efficiency • Companies struggling to fill vacancies due to aging workforce and low birthrates • Critics argue productivity unlikely to offset reduced hours given Germany's lack of innovation and digitization • Previous 4-day week trials showed gains like improved health, less burnout, no loss of output, companies not reverting to 5 days