Launching a pilot program to test the four- day workweek
Anew pilot program was launched yesertday by the Four Day Week Ireland campaign for employers to test the effectiveness of afour – day work week for employees with no loss of pay , the government will also fund a call for a research study to assess the social , economic and environmental impacts of a four- day working week in an Irish context on Specifically , as part of the plan , under the plan organizations will receive support , training and guidance on how to implement.
The pilot program will start in January and will also run in a number of countries including the US, UK and New Zealand
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce and Employment Leo Vardkard said” The coronavirus pandemaic has prompted us to rethink and re- evaluate the way we work , it has been proven that a large number of people can be equally productive while working at home rather than having to go to work every day , this has accelerated the shift towards more flexible and family – friendly working hours , and he also said it was too early to say whether a four – week work week could work in Ireland , the idea is ambitious to achieve the same results and productivity with the same pay with 20% fewer hours.
Mr . Varsdkar explained that the application of afour – day work week can work in some Jobs , but it is difficult to apply it in other jobs for example in the fields of education , health and manufacturing , but we must have an open mind when it comes to innovation iin the world of work.
The four- day workweek can help reduce carbon emissions and air pollution , and improve people`s work – life balance , ” said Eamon Rayan Minisiter of Environment Climate and Communications , adding that the impact such a move could have on the environment wsa something the government would closely monitor.
Up to €150, 000 will be provided to support this research study.
Source: RTÉ
Categories : News – Ireland- Business
Tags: research study## reducing working days## innovations in the world of work##
Fatma Salem
