Exploring the alternative ways working patterns are changing
The standard 5-day 9-to-5 is officially dead.
There has been a gradual shift away from this model for a long time.
A variety of other working week formats are becoming popular.
We recently looked at several options for compressed hours.
But one change you might not have expected to see in 2024 is the lengthening of the work week.
Greece adopts 6-day work week
Greece recently made headlines with a move to a 6-day work week in some industries.
This came in response to a shortage of skilled workers in key sectors like manufacturing, as well as others operating round the clock shifts.
The 6-day week was introduced alongside legislation accounting for the increased hours, with employees working up to the limit of 48 hours a week. The new laws also state that hours on the additional day should be paid as 40% overtime.
It should be noted that this new pattern only adds further hours to a Greek workforce that works roughly 6 hours a week more than the European average already.
Emergency use only…for now
And its characterisation as a last-ditch measure falls in line with the few other examples from around the world.
Samsung introduced a 6-day week for its executives earlier this year as well, citing the company’s falling bottom line as the rationale for wanting to “inject a sense of crisis” among employees.
But with up to 9% of employers considering a 6-day work week, we may see more of this pattern in the future. The main advantages stated are typically around better communication across countries and time zones for global businesses with dispersed teams.
The counterpoint to these beliefs is that such working patterns often have a negative effect on employee morale, increasing burnout which can erode the supposed productivity gains.
As such, while a 6-day work week does have some support among business leaders, support for a shorter week is higher at over 30%.
The trend towards fewer hours
This is a significant contrast to much of the rest of Europe, where the concept of a 4-day work week on shortened hours is gaining traction.
The UK is moving ahead with a second pilot of a 4-day week, typically with reduced hours. The first pilot showed impressive results, increasing revenue, reducing churn, and ultimately being adopted by 92% of businesses who trialled it.
Choosing the right option for your business
So the right work week for your business is likely to depend on your industry, your employee pool, and the demand you’re facing.
Key industries struggling to find enough workers and facing regularly high demand might consider a 6-day week, which is thought to be an exceptional measure.
Whereas businesses where employee productivity, morale, and burnout are more significant factors may want to explore whether a shorter work week could achieve their aims.
Scheduling will be key for implementing new working patterns
Either way, businesses may need to revise their rotas if they are looking to adopt a new working week. It will likely be a significant change for managers and employees and require something of a trial and bedding in period.
Using a smart online scheduling solution like Findmyshift makes it easy to adjust and swap shifts, create and reuse new templates, and make proactive changes in your business.