Greece has recently implemented a limited six-day workweek in an effort to boost its economy following the global financial crisis in 2007-2008. This move, which started in July, allows some 24-hour industries to allow employees to choose to work up to 48 hours per week instead of a maximum of 40, with workers receiving an extra 40% in overtime pay if they exceed the 40-hour threshold.
This change goes against trends in other economies such as Europe and the United States, which are considering shorter workweeks. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders proposed legislation this year to define a workweek as 32 hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Additionally, in a recent survey of American CEOs, 30% said they were exploring new work schedule shifts like a four-day or 4.5-day workweek.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sees this change as “growth-oriented” and hopes it will reduce tax evasion resulting from undeclared work. However, it remains to be seen how this change will impact the Greek economy and if other countries will follow suit in adjusting their work schedules.
