{"id":43224,"date":"2024-01-27T06:58:49","date_gmt":"2024-01-27T06:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/2024\/01\/27\/german-companies-testing-4-day-workweek-to-fight-labour-crisis\/"},"modified":"2024-01-27T06:58:49","modified_gmt":"2024-01-27T06:58:49","slug":"german-companies-testing-4-day-workweek-to-fight-labour-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/2024\/01\/27\/german-companies-testing-4-day-workweek-to-fight-labour-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"German companies testing 4-day workweek to fight labour crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> \n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<header aria-label=\"Beginning of Article\" class=\"article-header article-header--story\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\" class=\"breadcrumbs\" data-aqa=\"nav-breadcrumb\">\n<p>Breadcrumb Trail Links<\/p>\n<ol class=\"breadcrumbs__items list-unstyled\">\n<li class=\"breadcrumbs__item\">Work<\/li>\n<li class=\"breadcrumbs__item\">News<\/li>\n<li class=\"breadcrumbs__item\">Economy<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<div class=\"article-header__detail\">\n<div class=\"article-header__detail__texts\">\n<p class=\"article-subtitle\">Labour shortages fuelling employer-employee tensions as workers seek wage increases and flexibility<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-meta\">\n<div class=\"wire-published-by\">\n<p class=\"visually-hidden\">Author of the article:<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"published-date__since\">Published Jan 27, 2024<\/span> \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 <span class=\"updated-date__since\">Last updated 7\u00a0hours ago<\/span> \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 <span class=\"published-date__word-count\">4 minute read<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"featured-image\" data-aqa=\"featured-image\"><picture class=\"featured-image__ratio\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;h=423&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=uJsevt0qzYyx3wfwzLkBKQ,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;h=846&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=deZLd4DdVW4Mkb3Mhn2aPg 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;h=423&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=966M1fHLZic06EFPOcupdw,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;h=846&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=_702ivMUXFLGuux2gqZIRQ 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;h=354&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=xvPWGeiGfQAvkP4gA4BtFQ,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;h=708&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=oOERZrf-jIQiF5llO3P0ig 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;h=354&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=80NVaMBG3cGCOntVWE6AzA,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;h=708&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=pqFaigLB1i9Jt5UbrnP70w 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;h=216&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=3Ezgh86Mt7T2qCpQc7XI6A,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;h=432&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=s2vmBvUcjf1UhoDWw6TXwg 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Commuters at Frankfurt's central train station in Frankfurt, Germany.\" class=\"featured-image__image type:primaryImage\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;h=216&amp;sig=QIZTYcvefif8dKIFORqDSQ\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;h=216&amp;sig=QIZTYcvefif8dKIFORqDSQ,&#10;                    https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/germany-commuters.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;h=432&amp;sig=zIM8pCG-jY3k4q89i2A6ng 2x\" height=\"750\" width=\"1000\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"featured-image__caption image-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">Commuters at Frankfurt&#8217;s central train station in Frankfurt, Germany. <\/span> <span class=\"credit\">Photo by Ben Kilb\/Bloomberg<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<h2 class=\"visually-hidden\">Article content<\/h2>\n<p>Germany\u2019s struggle to revive its sluggish economy is about to take an experimental turn as a host of companies test out the merits of working less.<\/p>\n<p>A six-month program starting Feb. 1 will grant a day off every week for hundreds of employees while keeping them on full pay. The study aims to find out if labour unions are right that it could not only leave staff healthier and happier, but also more productive.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_2\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment7506700195477416937263893793734656\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 2<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-2\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[6,6],[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-interscroller=\"6x6\" data-ad-loc=\"2\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[6,6],[320,50],[300,50],[300,250],[300,600]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-2\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:600px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-block article-block-bg article-content__sign-in-group hidden\" data-aqa=\"identity-sign-in\" data-async=\"\" id=\"article-block\">\n<section class=\"row\">\n<header class=\"identity-intro col-xs-12 col-md-6 flex-justify-center\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Financial Post\" class=\"market-logo\" height=\"37\" src=\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/15.3.3\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-fp.svg\" width=\"280\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"intro-body__premium hidden\">\n<p>THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n<p class=\"identity-intro__description\">Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-unstyled list-checkmark\">\n<li>Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O&#8217;Connor, Gabriel Friedman, Victoria Wells and others.<\/li>\n<li>Daily content from Financial Times, the world&#8217;s leading global business publication.<\/li>\n<li>Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"intro-body__register hidden\">\n<p>SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p class=\"identity-intro__description\">Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-unstyled list-checkmark\">\n<li>Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O&#8217;Connor, Gabriel Friedman, Victoria Wells and others.<\/li>\n<li>Daily content from Financial Times, the world&#8217;s leading global business publication.<\/li>\n<li>Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"intro-body__anonymous\">\n<p>REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p class=\"identity-intro__description\">Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-unstyled list-checkmark\">\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month.<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p data-async=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m absolutely convinced that investments in \u2018new work\u2019 pay off because they increase well-being and motivation, subsequently increasing efficiency,\u201d said S\u00f6ren Fricke, co-founder of event planner Solidsense, one of 45 companies taking part in the pilot. \u201cThe four-day week, if it works, won\u2019t cost us anything either in the long run.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-async=\"\">The project underscores a broader shift taking place in the German labour market, where a lack of skilled workers is putting pressure on companies to fill their ranks. The shortage \u2014 coupled with high inflation \u2014 has emboldened employees across industries to seek wage increases and preserve the flexibility and independence they gained during the pandemic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"embedded-image\" data-aqa=\"embed-image\"><picture class=\"embedded-image__ratio\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=aDcYaXwYbRTE8T4lVmoEjg,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=pVEpqsmQb6e5KiMThGHb_g 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=50nOtN2wB3xUlzuFGMaGww,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=eFxZe89o3brqhD05zwdpdQ 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=SUP-n7Lr5WGfekazxrN-0g,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=befY-Kauw3NkJ_NeqQsQGA 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=GYbwUhkKC175AYJSXzFEGg,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=4ZwMkonYyhXOm4YTG7T7Ig 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=UsMOiS80yhlMj6zpAuhJAw,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=3-6Zyusrb3sqsOn_lgNhFg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Germany job vacancies\" class=\"embedded-image__image lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;sig=sm4kTUuL_Tml4uO_AJi_Vg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;sig=sm4kTUuL_Tml4uO_AJi_Vg,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;sig=G8HNGFlmgEMhTI7_IP2chQ 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_German_Companies_Are_Struggli.jpeg?quality=5&amp;strip=all&amp;w=100&amp;sig=xtOw-SyoI9nKccsEKv_cgw\" height=\"620\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\n<p>The imbalance is fuelling employer-employee tensions. Germany\u2019s train drivers are currently holding a six-day strike, demanding that Deutsche Bahn cut the work week to 35 hours from 38 hours without any wage reduction. The country\u2019s construction union is asking for a pay rise of more than 20 per cent for many of its 930,000 workers \u2014 a move some economists warn could stoke inflation.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"js-widget-content article-content__widget-group article-content__widget-group--content-slot15 article-content__widget-group--newsletter-slot\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-widget__new-story-page None background--primary-light-gradient\" aria-labelledby=\"FPWork8042845562800843168964822417014784\" data-account-id=\"b9d3df2fccd108b5eff3c44f573b2cd6\" data-aqa=\"widget-newsletter\" data-newsletter=\"single\" data-newsletter-component=\"\" data-target-list=\"FP_Work\" data-widget=\"newsletter\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-new-story-page-template\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-widget__header__new-story-page\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-widget__banner__new-story-page\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Financial Post\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/15.3.3\/websites\/images\/newsletters\/icon-fp-work.svg\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Work<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__text__new-story-page\">FP Work touches on HR strategy, labour economics, office culture, technology and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"newsletter-widget__body__new-story-page\">\n<div class=\"js-replace-main__new-story-page\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__disclaimer__new-story-page text-size--tiny\">By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"js-submit-success\" hidden=\"\" id=\"submitSuccessFP_Work\">\n<p>Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__text__new-story-page\">A welcome email is on its way. If you don&#8217;t see it, please check your junk folder.<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__text__new-story-page newsletter__feedback--last\">The next issue of Work will soon be in your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__text__new-story-page js-submit-error\" style=\"margin-top: 8px\" hidden=\"\" id=\"submitErrorFP_Work\">We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_3\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment8710695244215806261680864931872768\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 3<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-3\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[7,7],[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-interscroller=\"7x7\" data-ad-loc=\"3\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[7,7],[300,250],[320,50],[300,50]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-3\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:250px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>According to an industry lobby survey last year, half of German companies are at least partly unable to plug vacancies. Software giant SAP SE stopped asking for university degrees from applicants in 2022, while real estate firm Vonovia SE recruited people from Colombia last year to cope with the shortage.<\/p>\n<p>And the problem is set to get worse: more than seven million people are expected to leave the German labour force by 2035, as birthrates and immigration fall well short of what\u2019s needed to replace the aging population.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI can either get involved and position myself as a modern company, or I can say that we all have to work more and at some point I won\u2019t have anyone left to work for me,\u201d said Henning Roeper, managing director of Eurolam, a Wiegendorf-based window maker that\u2019s also taking part in the program.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"embedded-image\" data-aqa=\"embed-image\"><picture class=\"embedded-image__ratio\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=nG-KstiaOd45ddvc41x-Tw,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=YtOjpxaHemVzSSYplnI5dA 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=alUsnpgckIEojw_LXZ46xQ,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=yreXRgErcgMGo7Ef58-Yxg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=_Ptl43WBs2j-3aNnW-OZcA,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=Pgg5PN4TCL_xqIqkk3jFKw 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=mO8FVctjeMO85YmHapO1Lg,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=GBtVFkSM3InKBq8jJoy7Pg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=fUOdr3zybubW_3AD1WiOjg,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=GXu3bMk5UORpvK2QE2qnQg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Henning Roeper at the Eurolam factory in Wiegendorf, on Jan. 22.\" class=\"embedded-image__image lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;sig=E4oyrXZh-EQtXWBhIlVzCg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;sig=E4oyrXZh-EQtXWBhIlVzCg,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;sig=5ys7DqzJf73jCtdLd_r1Qg 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/roeper.jpg?quality=5&amp;strip=all&amp;w=100&amp;sig=It6edOziY4iDIs-2F5L4aQ\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"image-caption\"><span class=\"caption\"> Henning Roeper at the Eurolam factory in Wiegendorf, on Jan. 22.<\/span> <span class=\"credit\">Photo by Bloomberg<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And unhappy workers come at a hefty price tag. According to a recent Gallup study, low engagement costs the global economy \u20ac8.1 trillion (US$8.8 trillion) last year. That\u2019s nine per cent of global gross domestic product.<\/p>\n<p data-async=\"\">While staff work fewer hours during the experiment for the same pay, their output should stay steady \u2014 or even increase, according to New Zealand-based non-profit 4 Day Week Global, which is leading the pilot. Aside from that boost in productivity, companies are also expected to benefit from a drop in costly absences due to stress, illness and burnout. The average 21.3 days Germans were incapable to work in 2022 meant a loss of a staggering \u20ac207 billion in value added, according to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_4\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment6579117178327746827339207138082816\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 4<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-4\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"4\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-4\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:250px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<figure class=\"embedded-image\" data-aqa=\"embed-image\"><picture class=\"embedded-image__ratio\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=d5N3aznj2tdutf92DR9tQQ,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=ojROrD1u8YPbjd-Qv9SIMQ 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=CYVai0W4CxKRq9SNhdd63Q,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=3gmURhMtqJgjos0mY_JNlw 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=rAPWTanpQES-8p0iCYzRhw,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=OHmXetACN0caHpjqubO2_w 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=O7gY1YAnmmY204i1x6MCaw,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=VIFsfGcpY0e2cWsLZfbByw 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=GtRWkUeqqqCoSaL-tAT-fQ,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=8tNH_lf_ADZ6VAk48__3Jw 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"data:,1w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Germany labour productivity\" class=\"embedded-image__image lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;sig=vSjqE1WYgr4nx6ZErhA8OA\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;sig=vSjqE1WYgr4nx6ZErhA8OA,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;sig=krfpA6KXDejKPl5RoGDT3Q 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/qw_Germanys_Labor_Productivity_G.jpeg?quality=5&amp;strip=all&amp;w=100&amp;sig=2WaCarQ4-7s9ZxLW9p8ksw\" height=\"584\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\n<p>Advocates of the four-day week also argue it could attract untapped potential to the labour market in Germany \u2014 a country that has one of the highest proportions of part-timers in the EU, also among women, according to Eurostat.<\/p>\n<p>While Germany has by far the biggest economic output in Europe, a lack of investment in innovation and digitization has hindered productivity gains. Without improvements in those areas, it\u2019s unlikely German workers would see a significant productivity boost simply by cutting back hours, according to Enzo Weber, an economist at the Institute for Labor Market Research in Nuremberg.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h3>What Bloomberg Economics says\u2026<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cA four-day week could lead to higher hourly productivity but it\u2019s very unlikely that a productivity boost can compensate for the reduced working hours. Together with a shrinking labour force this would be a major obstacle to economic growth.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>\u2014 Martin Ademmer<\/em><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p>Finance Minister Christian Lindner, a member of the business friendly Free Democrats Party, has offered more pointed criticism of the shorter week, saying such a move would threaten economic growth and German prosperity.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_5\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment8121471358706961153997059271950336\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 5<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-5\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"5\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-5\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:250px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>But previous experiments in the United States and Canada suggest gains are possible, according to 4 Day Week Global. Workers who took part reported improved physical and mental health while burnout dropped. Following the studies, none of the participating companies planned to return to a five-day week.<\/p>\n<p>A program in the U.K., the biggest one yet with 61 participating companies, showed similar gains, including a 65 per cent drop in sick days. In Portugal, anxiety levels and sleeping problems receded by roughly 20 per cent. The German companies are hoping for similar gains, and some participating workers plan to provide hair samples and data from fitness watches to track stress levels more accurately.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf I have too much time I become a perfectionist, and this is not always necessary,\u201d said Jasmin Galle, a user-experience designer at Solidsense. \u201cIf you have less time, you still get the same result.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Belgium became the first European country to make a 4-day-week optional in 2022, though the total weekly hours must remain the same as in a five-day week. Japan has encouraged companies to offer shorter work weeks in hopes people will use the time to spend money and have children, boosting its economy and aging population.<\/p>\n<section aria-labelledby=\"moreTopicLabel4487835913122392052430967576461312\" class=\"more-topic\" data-aqa=\"embed-more-topic\" data-carousel-component=\"\" data-carousel-icon-button=\"\" data-carousel-type=\"list\">\n<p>Recommended from Editorial<\/p>\n<p><button aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"more-topic__button-prev\" data-carousel-prev=\"\" tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"previous\" type=\"button\"\/><\/p>\n<ol class=\"more-topic__items list-unstyled\" data-carousel-slide-list=\"\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<li class=\"more-topic__item\" data-carousel-item=\"\"> <picture class=\"more-topic__item-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Happier employees and improvements to productivity are just some of the benefits of a four-day workweek, according to a new study. \" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/4-day-week-office.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=rvxIjQfJtGHsTxk5KsFK2w\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/4-day-week-office.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=5&amp;sig=YpBU0Beq_gG0O79ZmMMhTw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/4-day-week-office.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=rvxIjQfJtGHsTxk5KsFK2w, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/4-day-week-office.jpg?h=192&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=rcVGNgm2JkqRjWj3_RJr6g 2x,&#10;                                             https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/4-day-week-office.jpg?h=288&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=KMIT41GXwBnRN_z67EGi1Q 3x\" class=\"lazyload\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"\/><\/picture>\n<p><span class=\"more-topic__item-text-clamp\">Your boss may not be able to resist 4-day workweek much longer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"more-topic__item\" data-carousel-item=\"\"> <picture class=\"more-topic__item-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"There's more to learn about the four-day workweek before it can be scaled up.\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-day-workweek-vw0724.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=BlKB0SlHlMslaIT3TCBk8A\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-day-workweek-vw0724.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=5&amp;sig=v9evz8YhXOkFKmkzOTRp-Q\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-day-workweek-vw0724.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=BlKB0SlHlMslaIT3TCBk8A, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-day-workweek-vw0724.jpg?h=192&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=0_VGRZuMPLmhIrF2hmb2wQ 2x,&#10;                                             https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-day-workweek-vw0724.jpg?h=288&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=XFxd9Ub3TlGem2gu2dnpGQ 3x\" class=\"lazyload\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"\/><\/picture>\n<p><span class=\"more-topic__item-text-clamp\">4-day workweek expert doesn\u2019t want everyone working 4 days<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"more-topic__item\" data-carousel-item=\"\"> <picture class=\"more-topic__item-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ninety-three per cent of Canadian employees saying they'd be interested in trying out a four-day workweek.\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/FOUR-DAY-WORKWEEK.jpeg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=1EaYWweV3fneAzAEmhNYBQ\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/FOUR-DAY-WORKWEEK.jpeg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=5&amp;sig=fDdMkJRor-MohG6ZN8qYTg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/FOUR-DAY-WORKWEEK.jpeg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=1EaYWweV3fneAzAEmhNYBQ, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/FOUR-DAY-WORKWEEK.jpeg?h=192&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=jJKOtoeu1o8CM3ppAKTcxA 2x,&#10;                                             https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/FOUR-DAY-WORKWEEK.jpeg?h=288&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=jmo88TFDBOLinAgGdQ6PUg 3x\" class=\"lazyload\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"\/><\/picture>\n<p><span class=\"more-topic__item-text-clamp\">Canadians want to try a 4-day workweek<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><button aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"more-topic__button-next\" data-carousel-next=\"\" tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"next\" type=\"button\"\/><\/section>\n<p>Jan B\u00fchren, co-founder of Intrapren\u00f6r, a Berlin consultancy working with 4 Day Week Global on the pilot program, said achieving the gains requires flexibility and creativity at the companies.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course it doesn\u2019t always work and it\u2019s also not for everyone,\u201d he said. \u201cBut you just have to find out exactly where it can work and where it doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-async=\"\"><em>Bloomberg.com<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article-content__share-group article-delimiter\" data-evt-val=\"{\" control_fields=\"\" data-evt-typ=\"page_scroll\">\n<p>Share this article in your social network<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n<br \/>German companies testing 4-day workweek to fight labour crisis<\/a><br \/>\n<br \/>2024-01-27 06:58:49<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Breadcrumb Trail Links Work News Economy Labour shortages fuelling employer-employee tensions as workers seek wage increases and flexibility Author of the article: Published Jan 27, 2024 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 7\u00a0hours&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":43225,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-43224","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-economy"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43224","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43224"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43224\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/43225"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43224"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43224"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43224"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}