When choosing an employer one of the first questions that come to mind is, what is the work-life balance like? Will I be overworked with little to no time to enjoy my friends and family?
Spain is ahead of the curve with the introduction of its new 4-day work week pilot program, said to go into action this fall.
If you are new to Spain’s work-life balance policies, they also implemented “afternoon siestas”. Afternoon siestas are a break for shops, businesses and staff between 2 pm and 4 pm. It’s even later for restaurants and bars.
Más País, a political party in Spain, pitched the idea for a shortened workweek and recently received government approval. Íñigo Errejón, the president of Más País, said to The Guardian “Spain is one of the countries where workers put in more hours than the European average. But we’re not among the most productive countries. I maintain that working more hours does not mean working better.”
While the exact details of the program and how it will be implemented are all still being worked out, the political party proposed it would be a three-year 50 million Euro project. It would allow the companies who are participating to reduce the workweek without much risk. If successful the program would see a reduction in work hours, while also seeing an increase in productivity without a loss of salary or jobs.
Spain would be the first country to officially launch this pilot program. Germany and the U.K. have stated they are also in support of a four-day workweek. New Zealand has proposed a similar policy as it would help the country recover post-COVID.
Related: Spain Introducing Flying Taxis In Barcelona As Soon As 2022