HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

The Spanish government has announced a pilot scheme to reduce the work week to four days with full pay for small and medium-sized industrial companies with fewer than 250 workers.

The scheme, which is worth 9.6 million euros (10.6 million USD), will see around 25 to 30 percent of employees working at least 10 percent fewer hours while receiving their full salary. To be eligible for the scheme, employers are required to apply for it by next month, and the government will partially compensate them for up to 200,000 euros per applicant and cover the consultancy costs of designing new work schemes.

Applicants have until November to hear back from the government, and those accepted are required to run the trial for at least two years, with their performance results to be audited afterward. This initiative aims to boost the work-life balance of Spanish employees while also exploring the possibility of a shorter workweek as a way to boost productivity and the economy.

In Valencia, the coastal city is running a month-long trial of the four-day work week, with the city council arranging local holidays to fall on four consecutive Mondays for the entire population of 800,000 people. The trial will examine the impact of the shorter workweek on fuel emissions, well-being, and other aspects, with results expected to be published by July.

Meanwhile, in the UK, the world's largest trial of a four-day workweek took place from June to December 2022, with employees at 61 companies working an average of 34 hours across four days on full salaries. Most participants opted to retain the four-day workweek, which activists hailed as a breakthrough for better work-life balance. This trend could also spread to Spain, where employees in small and medium-sized industrial companies may benefit from a reduced workweek with the same pay, resulting in better health, productivity, and work-life balance.

In addition, the Spanish government hopes that this pilot scheme will not only help improve the well-being of employees but also increase productivity in the workplace. Studies have shown that shorter working hours can lead to improved productivity, as well as better job satisfaction and work-life balance for employees. This initiative aligns with the government's goal of promoting a more sustainable and equitable society, where workers have more time to spend with their families and pursue their personal interests.

The government's decision to provide partial compensation to employers for up to 200,000 euros per applicant and cover the consultancy costs of designing new work schemes is a clear indication of their commitment to making this initiative a success. It also shows that they are aware of the potential financial burden that companies may face when implementing this new policy.

The success of this pilot scheme will depend on the participation of small and medium-sized industrial companies. However, it is important to note that this is not a one-size-fits-all approach and some industries may find it more difficult to implement a four-day work week. As such, it is vital that companies take the time to carefully consider the impact this may have on their business and seek advice and support where necessary.

With the world's largest trial of a four-day work week having taken place in the UK, and now Spain's pilot scheme, it is clear that this idea is gaining momentum. It remains to be seen whether this will become a widespread policy across the world, but it is a step in the right direction toward creating a better work-life balance for employees and a more sustainable society.

Sources

https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5118447/0/el-gobierno-convoca-ayudas-de-hasta-200-000-euros-para-que-las-pymes-industriales-prueben-la-semana-laboral-de-4-dias/
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-offers-pay-companies-testing-4-day-work-week-2023-04-13/