In the world, working time ranges from 35 hours a week in France, for 40 hours in Poland, 45 hours in Turkey. More and more countries are considering introducing a four -day work week. On Thursday, the recruitment of applications for the pilot of the shortened working time has started, it will last until September 15.
In Poland, as our neighbors in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the employer is responsible for determining and settling working time in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Code. In practice, this means a 40-hour work week, usually spread over five days, with an eight-hour work day.
In April, the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy announced the start of preparations to launch a pilot shortening of working time. At the end of June, the ministry published the rules for participating in the pilot. The head of MRPiPS Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk emphasized that this will be the first such undertaking in our part of Europe. In many countries, discussions have been underway for years about shortening working time. Recruitment started on Thursday.
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Five years ago in Great Britain A debate on the four -day working week was quoted, whose starting point was the results of the world's largest experiment, conducted by 4 Day Week Global, Boston College, University of Cambridge and Think Tank Autonomy. Nearly 70 companies took part in it – from the booth selling fast food to large corporations, hotels, doctor's offices and banks – and about 3.3 thousand. employees. The experiment lasted six months from June 6, 2020. 92 percent The companies participating in the experiment decided to constantly continue the four -day working week. It turned out that this brings an increase in revenues and greater productivity. The feeling of burnout among employees was reduced by 71 percent, 43 percent. felt an improvement in his mental health and 46 percent. reported a reduction in fatigue. A similar study was conducted, among others in Germany, Switzerland and Spain.
IN Spain The weekly working time is currently 40 hours, but the bill on its shortening to 37.5 hours is to be sent to the parliament. This is the flagship proposal of the Minister of the work of Yolanda Diaz, head of a smaller coalition partner in the Pedro Sanchez government – a leftist sum. The project is criticized by the Association of Employers, but was positively accepted by most trade unions.
37.5 hours a week is already working in the Scandinavian countries. IN Finland This time is spread over 5 business days. Employees also have the right to 24-38 days of leave annually, depending on the internship and industry. Saturdays also include Saturdays in the private sector. The discussion about even greater shortening of working time was conducted by, among others The Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who was from 2019 to 2023, who supported the introduction of a 4-day work week, claiming that this would improve people's prosperity and happiness. The idea, however, was not included in the government program, and the polls showed that 75 percent. Employers would not agree to shorten the work week without lowering the salary. Marin referred to the pilot from 1996-1998, when in Finland a 6-hour work day was tested in several plants, including at Nokian Tires, where the efficiency increased by 33 percent. Despite the positive results of the experiment, no formal changes were introduced due to the resistance of the management and the lack of political support.
Norway However, she adopted one of the more flexible models. The standard work week is 37.5 hours, and for employees associated in trade unions it can be shortened to 37 hours. Vacation in Norway is at least 25 business days a year, and 3 weeks must be between June 1 and September 30. The Norwegian government promotes employment contracts, and self -employment is rare.
IN Sweden The Opposition Party of Environmental Protection – Greens submitted in the parliament a request to adopt a resolution obliging the center -right government to introduce a four -week work week. This issue is to be considered in the Chamber in June this year. In the justification, the Greens emphasized that in Sweden 50 years have passed since the establishment of a 40 -hour work week, and shortening this time is possible thanks to technological progress. It has been added that the four -day work week will contribute to the benefits of reducing the number of sick leave as a result of restoring the balance between professional and private life. The introduction of the four -day week is supported by the Swedish association of LO and TCO trade unions.
In practice, the Swedes working full -time as a result of collective contracts concluded by trade unions of individual industries work less than 40 hours. For example, they receive a free time for recreation. In Sweden, the temporary working time programs have been introduced by the authorities of some municipalities or regions among their employees. This applied especially to healthcare and care workers.
France In turn, it is a country that has been distinguished by one of the shortest working weeks in Europe for years – it is 35 hours as standard. However, employees can work longer at the employer's request, up to 10 or 12 hours a day, if the collective system allows it. The employee has at least 20 minutes break after 6 hours of work, although many companies introduce longer dinner breaks that are unpaid. In terms of holidays, employees in France can count on 25-30 days of leave annually. Although the work week in France is very short compared to other countries in Europe, the debate on the four -day work week is ongoing; In 2024, the Parliamentary Commission decided that the decision to introduce it should belong to employers.
Also in Germany The topic of the four -day work week is becoming more and more popular. In 2024, 74 percent The Germans were in favor of a four -day work week, indicating a reduction in stress levels in everyday life. The German Act on working time limits the daily standard to 8 hours; Employees have the right to 24 working days of vacation per year.
In Italy In February this year, a bill was submitted in the Chamber of Deputies providing for reduction of working hours during the week from 40 to 32 while maintaining existing wages. The authors of the project are deputies of the Democratic Party, the Movement of Five Stars and the Greens and Left group. The opposition later accused the coalition of postponing this project so as not to proceed. However, for years the topic 1. In Italy, reminded every day and sounded especially on the occasion of May 1 is a scourge of accidents at workplaces. Almost every day a few people die. The fault is most often neglect from employers and lack of compliance with health and safety rules.
IN Canada The work week lasts 40 hours and employees have the right to breaks after 5 hours of work. In Ontario in 2022, Bhutila Karpoche, representing the leftist's new Democratic Party, reported a bill on piloting four -day work week.
Turks However, they work record for a long time – their weekly working time is up to 45 hours, which is one of the highest limits in Europe. Every day work cannot exceed 11 hours. Work below 4 hours guarantees 15 minutes break, up to 7.5h – 30 min, and above – an hour. Employees in these countries are entitled to 24 hours of uninterrupted rest a week.
Balkan countries have similar working time regulations. Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Macedonia North, Kosovo and Montenegro They have a standard 40-hour work week, usually spread over 5 business days. Employees can do overtime up to 10 hours a week, and for these hours they usually receive 25 percent. higher salary. In these countries, lunch break is from 30 minutes to an hour, and employees must have at least 24 hours of rest a week.
A pilot has started in Poland
To submit a company for a pilot, you must submit an application in electronic form, via a special generator, which will be available on the Ministry's website. It will be required, among others Description of the project, its goals, assumptions and meters, as well as statements regarding the legal and financial situation of the employer.
The pilot implementation begins on the date of the contract and is divided into three stages. The first stage is the preparation for the introduction of shortened working time – it continues from the signing of the contract and ends on December 31, 2025. The second stage consists in testing the introduction of short working time in the work environment – it starts on January 1, 2026 and lasts until December 31, 2026. The 3rd stage is a summary of the pilot project – it ends at the latest on May 15, 2027 at the latest. Quarterly surveys of the employer and employees. (PAP)
BM/ AWL/ MZB/ TDJ/ MRF/ JBW/ CMM/ PMO/ LACH/ SW/ ZYS/ BST/ LM/ KTL/
