Time to discuss reducing normal working hours? – Nordelje newspaper

There is more pressure on working people today than when I graduated and started my career in the mid-60s. Everyone needs to do better. Women should work gainfully. Men should also participate in housework. Children should be encouraged to do various activities. Not enough time. Stress and disease rates increase. People quit and it becomes difficult to recruit the employees you need. Questions arise that need to be answered.

How should municipalities and companies deal with their skills shortages? How is new recruitment facilitated? How to accommodate employees? How can employees find balance between work and leisure? How do they get time for rest and recovery? How do they spend more time with their children?

My wife and I have tried several times to discuss reducing normal working hours, but we have received criticism from the social democratic and capitalist side. Perhaps now is the time to discuss these issues without preconceived notions.

During 2022 The world’s largest experiment with wages maintained on a four-day week (32 hours) was conducted in Great Britain. The trial lasted for five months and ended at the end of November 2022. It consisted of 61 companies and approximately 3,000 employees. No financial contribution was made to the participating institutions. The result was given in an assessment by the end of March 2023.

Reported benefits include a 65 percent reduction in sick days, improved work-life balance, easier onboarding of new employees, improved productivity and results, and increased likelihood of an employee committing. Resignations are down 57 percent. Both small and large companies participated in the trial, all private, representing a range of different industries. Of the 61 participating companies, 56 have decided to continue the four-day week after the trial.

The problems that participating companies struggle with are also seen in the public sector – stressed staff, high sickness rates and difficulties in recruitment. This led to similar initiatives now being planned by public sector employers in the UK. Smaller attempts have been made in Sweden with mixed results.

At the Communal Conference In 2022, the union decided to work 30 hours a week with maintained wages. Admittedly, the union leadership was against it, but it was voted down by the delegates present.

For individual employers, reducing working hours to 32 hours per week means a clear competitive advantage over other employers when it comes to recruitment. Even from a social point of view, reduced working hours have many advantages. Properly designed, this type of reform contributes to a more equitable and sustainable society. It also provides the conditions for fair distribution of the profits generated by increased productivity.

During the 20th century Several reductions in working hours were carried out. Two weeks statutory holiday was introduced in 1938 and three weeks in 1951. Another week’s holiday was introduced in 1963 and five weeks’ holiday in 1978. In 40 years, we went from zero to five weeks off. We can afford it. Although working hours were reduced, prosperity increased and company profits soared. During the same period the working week was gradually reduced and in 1974 the 40-hour week was introduced. Therefore, it has been almost 50 years since the last general shortening of working hours was implemented. Production capacity has doubled in the years since.

Many believe that higher wages and lower taxes can solve our problems. Maybe it is if we need more money and more consumption to feel better. It is not like that. This is the time we need.

Rune Carlson, Housing