Prerna
A 4-day work week sounds like a phantasmic reality but believe it or not, the Indian Government is all set to allow the corporate world to opt for a 4-day work week. This move is very flexible and depends entirely on the preference of both the Employer and the Employee.
According to the new Labour codes set by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Government has given the nod for a 3-day weekend to keep up with the changing work culture. Although, this will lead to an increase in the daily work hours to 12 hours per day. Another part of these new codes is Free medical check-ups to workers under the Employees State Insurance Corporation.
How Is This Beneficial for Companies and Employees?
Employees in India are allowed to work for 48 hours a week. In comparison, the world’s most productive countries like Germany and Denmark only work for 27 hours a week.
This phenomenon sheds light on the fact that productivity does not mean longer working hours. Employees in India are highly overworked, with some working for even 6-days a week. This culture leads to increased stress and a disrupted work-life balance.
A compressed workweek can introduce new benefits for both employers and employees. A study conducted in Perpetual Garden, a company in New Zealand; found that the application of a 4-day work week leads to increased productivity levels and job satisfaction. Workers can enjoy three consecutive days of holidays to re-boot and enjoy other leisure activities. Moreover, reduced carbon print and a decrease in operational costs like electricity bills are also matters of interest for the corporates.
How Can This Be Implemented?
Companies are not allowed to increase the weekly work hours of 48 hours. Upon mutual agreement of companies and workers, a 4-Day, 5-Day, or 6-Day work week can be implemented. This step would mean a 12-hour shift for 4-working days, a 10-hour shift for 5, and an 8-hour shift for a 6-day grind. Employers also cannot reduce paid holidays.
On the other hand, some of the disadvantages of this policy are Hurdles in implementation, especially in the Service sector. Customer satisfaction and demands can be some areas of concern following this move. AI and technology can be the solutions to such problems.
