A four-day working week could be on the cards for Irish workers.
A new trial programme to trial the idea is being launched today.
The six-month programme aims to test out the benefits and effectiveness of a four-day working week and is being driven by the Four Day Week Ireland campaign.
And the good news is that worker’s pay packets will remain the same!
The campaign claims not only can a four-day working week benefit employees by striking a better work/life balance but can also improve productivity for businesses.
Businesses and employers that wish to pilot the scheme will receive training, supports and mentoring to ensure the transition to the four-day week happens smoothly.
The campaign is being run by several trade unions, organisations and academics, with a Fórsa representative writing to all local authorities to urge them to adopt a four-day week as part of the pilot scheme in recent weeks.
“In the last year we have seen radical shifts in our working practices. More flexible ways of working are here to stay, Joe O’Connor, Chairperson of the Four Day Week Ireland, told RTÉ.
“The launch of the four-day week pilot programme represents an exciting moment of change for employers and employees, and it’s up to the business community now to show that they are willing to lead and support this change for the better,” Mr O’Connor said.