The epidemic changed the working day as we knew it. More and more countries are experimenting with a 4-day work week. Is it possible in our country as well?
Due to COVID-19, a Bulgarian data processing company laid off employees on probation. The reduced workload reduced labor to six hours a day. The less time in the office and the experience outside gave impetus to other ideas, bTV reports.
In the company’s office, the idea of a 4-day work week is well received – both by employees and employers. But it has not been realized yet.
“Administratively, this puts us in a scheme in which to change absolutely all the documentation, but the idea is good,” said Borislava Domuschiev, a partner in the data processing company.
It is a matter of agreement and political will for this to happen everywhere. Wage levels must be maintained, unions say. A conversation is needed at EU level.
“So that we have objective data on the labor force we need, the available one. The goal – more time for personal life, more time for developing a person as a person, and not as a link in the production process, “says Vanya Grigorova from Podkrepa.
According to employers, there are no legal obstacles for businesses to introduce the shorter working week on a larger scale. But in sectors such as education, for example, it is inapplicable.
“It is related to many other issues such as the insurance system, the contributions paid to employees for a five-day week would be different from those for a four-day week,” said Jasmina Saraivanova, a Social Dialogue expert at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce.
The idea depends on the development of technology and robotics of enterprises. But with large investments. Japan and Spain are already experimenting with the shorter week.
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