What once seemed like a utopia is now closer to becoming a reality — the four-day workweek is already being considered as a general proposal within the next two years, and in the meantime, there are already companies that have conducted their own pilot tests. For now, opinions are divided, so if you’re also eager to experience this experiment, keep reading this post — we’ll look at the possible pros and cons of this progressive measure and compare different perspectives.
The methodology of the four-day workweek in Spain is based on the 100-80-100 model: 100% salary, 80% working hours, 100% productivity. This means it should not be confused with compressing 40 hours into four days, but rather reducing them to 32.
This pilot project, launched as the flagship proposal for workplace improvement by the Ministry of Industry, has already begun, offering financial support to SMEs that reduce their employees’ working hours and lead the change. Specifically, the program will grant up to €150,000 to each company and will benefit between 60 and 70 SMEs. These companies must maintain the shortened workweek for at least two years to properly assess long-term results. But there’s more — interested companies must reduce their weekly working hours by at least 10% and keep the four-day schedule for two years without any decrease in employee compensation. Therefore, in this four-day workweek model, salaries and vacation days are not reduced. The main goal is to maintain productivity while achieving better work-life balance for employees.
Several companies in Spain have already joined this pilot initiative, and some, like Software Delsol, highlight their positive experience. A more engaged workforce, increased efficiency, and a better work environment are among the reported benefits.
Other companies, such as Growara, a business consultancy, have not only adopted this new model but also help other organizations implement it. They propose strategies for adapting to change, provide training in new technological tools to streamline processes, and design new team structures based on a more guiding leadership style that promotes collaboration and emphasizes efficient communication.
However, although most companies that have tested the shorter workweek report positive results, not all share the same opinion. For example, according to representatives from Amazon and Ryanair, reducing working hours negatively affected customer service, leading to more complaints about delays in orders and a lack of support staff.
The origin of the four-day workweek dates back to France in 1993, initiated and promoted by Pierre Larrouturou, who proposed a law introduced by Gilles de Robien. Larrouturou argued that the four-day workweek could serve as a remedy against the global economic crisis. This idea became the seed that later led Prime Minister Lionel Jospin to approve the reduction of the workweek from 39 to 35 hours starting in 2000 in France, allowing many workers to enjoy four-day weeks.
As you may know, Spain is not the only country to have implemented this initiative; here are the conclusions drawn at a global level.
We hope this post has helped clear up some of your doubts about the four-day workweek. Subscribe to Educa.Pro and deepen your knowledge in the areas that interest you most!
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