Companies across the globe are experimenting with the idea of the four-day workweek, but in Greece, the government has implemented a sixth day to the workweek, which started on Monday, July 1. The Greek president said that the aim is to bolster worker productivity at a time when the country is facing a shrinking population and a shortage of skilled workers.
Under the new 48-hour workweek, employees will have the option to work an additional two hours per day or an extra eight-hour shift.
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However, labor unions argue that the law is “barbaric” and accuse the Greek government of stripping away rights and legal protections in the name of profit. They claim that the move could kill the five-day workweek if employers are allowed to require workers come in for an extra day of work.
European Data shows that Greeks work the longest hours in Europe but get paid much less than workers in other EU countries, averaging around $840 a month. However, Greek officials said the new workweek regulations will ensure that workers get paid for the overtime they’re already putting in.
Some companies in the United States are also toying with the idea of a sixth day of work.
A survey by Resume Builder shows 1 in 10 American companies plan to introduce a six-day work week in 2025. The data also revealed that even more companies said they think employees should work more than the traditional 40 hours per week. Additionally, 76% of businesses surveyed believe a six-day workweek would boost worker productivity.
However, critics argued that longer hours hurt employees seeking a better work-life balance. Some labor experts said the decision to increase hours in the age of employee “burnout” may be a detriment to companies looking to be competitive in the hiring process.
