In a landmark move, public and private companies in the Dominican Republic are preparing for a voluntary six-month pilot programme aimed at eventually creating a four-day work week.&nbsp;

The conversations about reducing the number of hours i.e. the workweek, have been around for a long time but were highlighted particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many employers were rethinking the importance of workplace flexibility.&nbsp;

Since then several countries including the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Spain, among others also&nbsp;launched trials to see if a four-day workweek could become a reality, and&nbsp;some have&nbsp;incorporated it.&nbsp;

<h2>About Dominican Republic’s plan</h2>

The initiative announced on Monday (Jan 15) will be launched next month, where the employees’ work hours will be reduced from 44 hours to 36 hours and they will only work from Monday to Thursday.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Is the four-day work week here to stay?

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According to the Dominican government, the fewer working hours will not affect the workers’ salaries. “It prioritises people, improving health and wellbeing, and promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly productivity,” said the Labour Minister Luis Miguel de Camps.

As of now, companies in the Caribbean country allocate eight hours of work every weekday and another four on Saturdays. However, it is up to the employers to distribute the hours as they see fit, as long as it is not more than 44 hours a week.

Several public and private companies including Claro, a Latin American telecommunications company; power company EGE Haina; IMCA, a heavy equipment business; and the government’s national health insurance agency, are expected to participate in the pilot programme, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/a-four-day-work-week-the-future-of-workplaces-472511">A four-day work week: The future of workplaces?</a>

The task to monitor and analyse the impact of this historic step has been given to a local university. The institute will check any health changes in workers and the relationship between work and their personal lives.

<h2>Countries that took similar steps&nbsp;</h2>

In recent years, several countries have taken similar steps. In February 2022, Belgium became the first country in Europe where workers won the right to perform a full workweek in four days instead of the usual five, without losing their salary.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-largest-four-day-work-week-trial-in-britain-proves-to-be-a-success-heres-how-564724">World’s largest four-day work-week trial in Britain proves to be a success, here’s how</a>

Meanwhile, the UK, the footsteps of which the Dominican Republic is following, launched what was the world’s largest trial of a four-day workweek in 2023 and found positive results.&nbsp;

The trial in Britain also lasted for six months and involved around 61 companies and 3,300 employees, the results of which were studied by researchers at Cambridge and Oxford Universities and Boston College, as well as other advocacy groups.&nbsp;

In Chile, legislators approved a bill last year to reduce the work week from 45 to 40 hours. While in the United States, a number of companies have also switched to a shorter work week.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a landmark move, public and private companies in the Dominican Republic are preparing for a voluntary six-month pilot programme aimed at eventually creating a four-day work week.

In a landmark move, public and private companies in the Dominican Republic are preparing for a voluntary six-month pilot programme aimed at eventually creating a four-day work week. The conversations about reducing the number of hours i.e. the workweek, have been around for a long time but were highlighted particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many employers were rethinking the importance of workplace flexibility. Since then several countries including the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Spain, among others also launched trials to see if a four-day workweek could become a reality, and some have incorporated it. About Dominican Republic’s plan The initiative announced on Monday (Jan 15) will be launched next month, where the employees’ work hours will be reduced from 44 hours to 36 hours and they will only work from Monday to Thursday. WATCH | Is the four-day work week here to stay? According to the Dominican government, the fewer working hours will not affect the workers’ salaries. “It prioritises people, improving health and wellbeing, and promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly productivity,” said the Labour Minister Luis Miguel de Camps. As of now, companies in the Caribbean country allocate eight hours of work every weekday and another four on Saturdays. However, it is up to the employers to distribute the hours as they see fit, as long as it is not more than 44 hours a week. Several public and private companies including Claro, a Latin American telecommunications company; power company EGE Haina; IMCA, a heavy equipment business; and the government’s national health insurance agency, are expected to participate in the pilot programme, according to the Associated Press. ALSO READ | A four-day work week: The future of workplaces? The task to monitor and analyse the impact of this historic step has been given to a local university. The institute will check any health changes in workers and the relationship between work and their personal lives. Countries that took similar steps In recent years, several countries have taken similar steps. In February 2022, Belgium became the first country in Europe where workers won the right to perform a full workweek in four days instead of the usual five, without losing their salary. ALSO READ | World’s largest four-day work-week trial in Britain proves to be a success, here’s how Meanwhile, the UK, the footsteps of which the Dominican Republic is following, launched what was the world’s largest trial of a four-day workweek in 2023 and found positive results. The trial in Britain also lasted for six months and involved around 61 companies and 3,300 employees, the results of which were studied by researchers at Cambridge and Oxford Universities and Boston College, as well as other advocacy groups. In Chile, legislators approved a bill last year to reduce the work week from 45 to 40 hours. While in the United States, a number of companies have also switched to a shorter work week. (With inputs from agencies)

Four-day workweek: This country to launch six-month pilot programme for workers

Every professional seeks to have some sort of work-life balance, especially after the pandemic-induced compulsory work-from-home culture, impacting employees' mental health. In pursuit of a more fitting work culture which addresses the underlying issue of burnout and fatigue, employees of at least 61 British companies tried out a four-day working week culture, one which is deemed to be the world's largest one, as per Autonomy, a British-based research organisation.&nbsp;

The trial involved dozens of employees working for an average of 34 hours across four days between June and December 2022.&nbsp;During the four-week work trial, the employees earned the same salary as they would get otherwise. As exciting as the trial itself is, the result of it was even more impactful and thrilling.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/straight-out-of-science-fiction-ai-submissions-overwhelm-clarkesworld-magazine-in-us-564702">Straight out of science fiction? AI submissions overwhelm Clarkesworld magazine in US</a>

Out of these 61 firms where the employees tried out four-days work week, at least 56 companies, which is 92%, chose to stick with the same work week culture.&nbsp;

A total of 18 of these firms even chose to make this a part of their permanent work culture. At least 2,900 employees spanning different sectors became part of the trial. It catered to sectors ranging from finance company Stellar Asset Management to digital manufacturer Rivelin Robotics and a fish-and-chip shop in the coastal town of Wells-next-the-sea.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shamima-begum-cant-return-to-uk-loses-citizenship-appeal-564720">Shamima Begum can't return to UK, loses citizenship appeal</a>

One of the most important and interesting key findings of the survey was that the productivity of the employees was maintained during the trial period.&nbsp;Additionally, the employees were also less likely to quit their jobs, in view of the satisfactory work-life balance.&nbsp;

The priority for some of these employees was more days off and not more money. Four-day work week turned out to be much more satisfying for them. As per the survey, a total of 15 per cent of these employees said no amount of money would induce them back to a five-day week.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wagner-group-head-accuses-russian-command-of-treason-564716">Wagner group head accuses Russian command of treason</a>

However, even as these firms are changing their work culture, thanks to the successful outcomes of the trial, reports suggest that very few of the employees of corporate Britain are expected to be making the shift towards four-day week culture in the next decade.&nbsp;

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Every professional seeks to have some sort of work-life balance, especially after the pandemic-induced compulsory work-from-home culture, impacting employees' mental health.

Every professional seeks to have some sort of work-life balance, especially after the pandemic-induced compulsory work-from-home culture, impacting employees' mental health. In pursuit of a more fitting work culture which addresses the underlying issue of burnout and fatigue, employees of at least 61 British companies tried out a four-day working week culture, one which is deemed to be the world's largest one, as per Autonomy, a British-based research organisation. The trial involved dozens of employees working for an average of 34 hours across four days between June and December 2022. During the four-week work trial, the employees earned the same salary as they would get otherwise. As exciting as the trial itself is, the result of it was even more impactful and thrilling. Also Read | Straight out of science fiction? AI submissions overwhelm Clarkesworld magazine in US Out of these 61 firms where the employees tried out four-days work week, at least 56 companies, which is 92%, chose to stick with the same work week culture. A total of 18 of these firms even chose to make this a part of their permanent work culture. At least 2,900 employees spanning different sectors became part of the trial. It catered to sectors ranging from finance company Stellar Asset Management to digital manufacturer Rivelin Robotics and a fish-and-chip shop in the coastal town of Wells-next-the-sea. Also Read | Shamima Begum can't return to UK, loses citizenship appeal One of the most important and interesting key findings of the survey was that the productivity of the employees was maintained during the trial period. Additionally, the employees were also less likely to quit their jobs, in view of the satisfactory work-life balance. The priority for some of these employees was more days off and not more money. Four-day work week turned out to be much more satisfying for them. As per the survey, a total of 15 per cent of these employees said no amount of money would induce them back to a five-day week. Watch | Wagner group head accuses Russian command of treason However, even as these firms are changing their work culture, thanks to the successful outcomes of the trial, reports suggest that very few of the employees of corporate Britain are expected to be making the shift towards four-day week culture in the next decade. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World’s largest four-day work-week trial in Britain proves to be a success, here’s how

Finland's new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-sanna-marin-34-becomes-worlds-youngest-serving-prime-minister-267052">prime minister Sanna Marin</a>, 34, has said that the country will soon introduce a four-day work week which involves six-hour days.

Marin belonging to Finland's Social Democrat had taken office in December by winning a confidence vote in Parliament replacing Antti Rinne.

PM Marin told the New Europe magazine that she believes people need to spend more time with families while adding that people needed to also look at other aspects of life including hobbies and culture.

Finland's neighbour Sweden had earlier implemented a six-hour work week back in 2015.

Interestingly, in November last year, the Indian government had suggested nine-hour working day in a draft wage code. India's Factory Act of 1948 states that an adult cannot work for more than 48 hours a week which includes not more than nine hours a day for any week.

According to a survey conducted two years ago, India was rated as the "hardest working country" with employees who work for five days a week even if they had an option to work for lesser days. Mexico was ranked second in the list.

The study conducted by US workforce management firm Kronos had said the US led with "overtime" for workers followed by India.

India's labour law mandates that if a worker does "overtime" then the person is entitled to get twice the amount of wages to the ordinary wages.

The law also says that "overtime work" should not exceed ten hours a day and 54 hours a week.

Finland's new prime minister Sanna Marin, 34, has said that the country will soon introduce a four-day work week which involves six-hour days. Marin belonging to Finland's Social Democrat had taken office in December by winning a confidence vote in Parliament replacing Antti Rinne.

Finland's new prime minister Sanna Marin, 34, has said that the country will soon introduce a four-day work week which involves six-hour days. Marin belonging to Finland's Social Democrat had taken office in December by winning a confidence vote in Parliament replacing Antti Rinne. PM Marin told the New Europe magazine that she believes people need to spend more time with families while adding that people needed to also look at other aspects of life including hobbies and culture. Finland's neighbour Sweden had earlier implemented a six-hour work week back in 2015. Interestingly, in November last year, the Indian government had suggested nine-hour working day in a draft wage code. India's Factory Act of 1948 states that an adult cannot work for more than 48 hours a week which includes not more than nine hours a day for any week. According to a survey conducted two years ago, India was rated as the "hardest working country" with employees who work for five days a week even if they had an option to work for lesser days. Mexico was ranked second in the list. The study conducted by US workforce management firm Kronos had said the US led with "overtime" for workers followed by India. India's labour law mandates that if a worker does "overtime" then the person is entitled to get twice the amount of wages to the ordinary wages. The law also says that "overtime work" should not exceed ten hours a day and 54 hours a week.

Finland's PM Sanna Marin wants four-day work week with six-hour days

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Gravitas: 4 Day Work Week Project In Japan: Reduced Hours Boosts Productivity!

Learning a new skill or hobby is the top priority for 66 percent Indian professionals if they were to get a four-day work week, according to a recent survey.

With '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pursuit-of-happiness-can-make-you-unhappy-study-35640">more time</a>' wish lists, most Indian workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby followed by watching TV, movies or listening to music, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey in its 'Future of workplace' series.

"It's not surprising to see that the survey reflects an aspiring young India seeking more opportunities to acquire a new skill, unlearn or relearn if they find spare time or added time as a key get away. It's rather intriguing to see that they might put off a family vacation and instead put in those extra hours to acquire a new skill or a certification," Kronos Incorporated country manager, India, James Thomas said.

In their personal lives, the top five things people worldwide wish they could do more of are spend time with family (44 percent), travel (43 percent), exercise (33 percent), spend time with friends (30 percent) and pursue their hobbies (29 percent).

Employees in France, Germany, the US and the UK listed 'sleep more' as a top priority, while in the UK workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby.

While people in Mexico would spend more time watching TV, movies or listening to music and 'read more'.

Boomers in particular (51 percent) would like to travel more travel more, it added.

The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated global survey examining 3,000 employees across eight nations including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the UK and the US.

Meanwhile, the survey further revealed that India led the way as the hardest-working country, with a whopping 69 percent of full-time employees saying they would still work five days a week even if they had the option to work fewer days for the same pay.

While Mexico was the second-highest at 43 percent of workers would work five day week on same pay followed by the US at 27 percent.

The UK (16 percent), France (17 percent) and Australia (19 percent) are the least content with the standard five-day work week, it added.&nbsp;

Learning a new skill or hobby is the top priority for 66 percent Indian professionals if they were to get a four-day work week, according to a recent survey. With 'more time' wish lists, most Indian workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby followed by watching TV, movies or listening to music, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey in its 'Future of workplace' series.

Learning a new skill or hobby is the top priority for 66 percent Indian professionals if they were to get a four-day work week, according to a recent survey. With 'more time' wish lists, most Indian workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby followed by watching TV, movies or listening to music, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey in its 'Future of workplace' series. "It's not surprising to see that the survey reflects an aspiring young India seeking more opportunities to acquire a new skill, unlearn or relearn if they find spare time or added time as a key get away. It's rather intriguing to see that they might put off a family vacation and instead put in those extra hours to acquire a new skill or a certification," Kronos Incorporated country manager, India, James Thomas said. In their personal lives, the top five things people worldwide wish they could do more of are spend time with family (44 percent), travel (43 percent), exercise (33 percent), spend time with friends (30 percent) and pursue their hobbies (29 percent). Employees in France, Germany, the US and the UK listed 'sleep more' as a top priority, while in the UK workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby. While people in Mexico would spend more time watching TV, movies or listening to music and 'read more'. Boomers in particular (51 percent) would like to travel more travel more, it added. The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated global survey examining 3,000 employees across eight nations including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the UK and the US. Meanwhile, the survey further revealed that India led the way as the hardest-working country, with a whopping 69 percent of full-time employees saying they would still work five days a week even if they had the option to work fewer days for the same pay. While Mexico was the second-highest at 43 percent of workers would work five day week on same pay followed by the US at 27 percent. The UK (16 percent), France (17 percent) and Australia (19 percent) are the least content with the standard five-day work week, it added.

If given a 4-day work week, Indians would learn a new skill: Survey