Greece has introduced a six-day work week for some industries in a bid to boost economic growth.
New laws that came into effect in early July allow employees to work up to 48 hours a week instead of 40.
This provision only applies to businesses that operate 24 hours and is an optional option for workers, who are paid an additional 40% for overtime.
However, the Greek government’s move stands in contrast to workplace cultures elsewhere in Europe and the United States, where four day work pattern is becoming more popular.
Companies that adopt these policies often assume that working fewer hours will actually increase employee productivity and well-being.
It is hoped that Greece’s six-day workweek plan will help tackle undeclared work that leads to tax evasion, according to Greek public broadcaster ERTNews.
Tourism businesses and the food industry are not covered by this policy.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said “the core of this law is worker-friendly, deeply growth-oriented”, the Guardian first reported.
“And it puts Greece on par with the rest of Europe.”
The BBC has contacted Greek Labour Minister Niki Kerameus for comment.
The global financial crisis of the late 2000s had a devastating impact on Greece, as high public spending and rampant tax evasion left the country saddled with huge debts.
Mr Mitsotakis is credited with successfully returning the economy to growth after the crisis forced Greece to seek three international bailouts.
But when it comes to working models, Greece seems to be going in the opposite direction to other countries.
Since the Covid pandemic hit, companies have adopted flexible working models and many have trialled four-day work weeks without employees losing pay.
Trials of a four-day work week in Iceland have been deemed a “resounding success” and have led to many workers switching to shorter hours, according to researchers, who claim Productivity remained the same or improved in most workplaces.
