several countries Europe start applying working days four days a week and without deduction wages. The latest countries to join this initiative are Portugalwhich will start with pilot project in private sector to then expand to public administration. It should be noted that in Spain a debate has started about the possibility of also implementing a working days four days a week.

The move approved by Portugal comes after countries like Iceland one of great Britain. In particular, working days four days a week will start from June 2023although only in companies wishing to benefit from pilot projects agreed by the Portuguese Government.

All companies that wish to do so can join this project. Even though at first working hours four days a week It will be voluntary for companies that welcome trying the experience. Of course, the Portuguese State will not offer any compensation or economic subsidies to companies that choose to start pilot projects.

Working hours depending on activity

The employer explained that it could be an attractive option to try a four-day week week at activity from various sectors profession, such as technology, culture, or advertising. However, it seems more complicated that this type of workday can be applied to all work activities, such as those requiring customer service.

The key aspect highlighted by workers for implementing this type of work day is that don’t charge less for it. That means, keep the same salary for workers despite working a day less. This is a fundamental element of the project, as many workers are unwilling to reduce their pay to work one less day a week.

It working days four days a week keeping important secrets. In some companies, an extra hour a day will work so it is possible to reduce the volume of the weekly workload. In other words, this type of conference would be conducted through an agreement between entrepreneurs and workers. However, the specific number of hours to work in a four-day week week has not been established.

Pilot project

Portugal will start pilot project which will start in 2023 and will last for six months in the private sector. All companies wishing to try this type of weekday have until January 2023 to register. It can be a very valuable test to see the operation and learn the possibilities implantation in spain.

After the six month period ends, the Portuguese Government intends to start projects in the public sector in 2024. In addition, a comparative study will be carried out between companies in the same sector that have benefited from working days four days and companies that have maintained five-day shifts. A total of 60 companies will receive the grant at random.

So far, projects that have started in Iceland and the UK have been positive to work four days a week. Both countries insist that productivity is not lost and in some cases even increased.