DUBLIN: Ireland is preparing to implement a four-day work week for employees with no loss of pay. As a first step, a new pilot program for employers to test the effectiveness of the new scheme is being launched today.
The six-month experiment is being organised by the Four Day Week Ireland campaign, which includes representatives from trade union Fórsa, ICTU, the National Women’s Council, Friends of the Earth Ireland and academics.
Joe O’Connor, Chairperson of the Four Day Week Ireland, said the Government hopes the scheme will benefit employees and the business-office sector.
The pilot will begin in January and is currently operating in several countries, including the US, the UK and New Zealand. The project is being coordinated by the Four Day Week Global group. Other countries, including Spain and Scotland, have already developed the four-day working week plan, which is also in the testing phase.
Several businesses, including Donegal-based 3D Issue, have already tested a four-day working week as part of the campaign.
“When we offered the four-day work week, it was in the form of a bonus to our staff,” 3D Issue Chief Executive Paul McNulty said.
“At the time, we did not necessarily think that reducing staff hours would lead to an increase in sales and productivity, yet it did. Our staff are happier, more refreshed and more engaged in their work,” he added.
The pilot program is expected to provide exciting moment of change for both companies and employees. Organisations will receive support, training and guidance on how to make this concept more effective under the scheme. In addition, the government will conduct research to assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of the project.
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