Will the world follow the UAE’s modernised working week? – The National

Will the world follow the UAE’s modernised working week? – The National

The UAE might have been the first high-income country to adopt a shorter working week, but it is far from the only one mulling it. Six months ago, all workers in the public sector, as well as many in private companies, became the focus of policymakers all over the world, who continue to weigh up the consequences of such a move.

In the UK, more than 3,000 workers at 70 companies are about to trial six months of a four-day working week. It is a significant pilot programme. Participants will lose no pay and their working hours will decrease by 20 per cent. In return, they are committing to maintain at least 100 per cent productivity.

The Scottish government is set to start a similar trial in 2023, as is Wales. In March, Belgians gained the right to a four-day working week with the same salary but no reduction in hours.