Some of the measures that the Greek government has recently put forward to improve the Greek economy and, fight unemployment includes increasing working hours in the country.
Also, implementing the six-day work week which just went into effect on 1st of July 2024. It is highly likely to provide benefits to employers and employees. As well as its criticism regarding work-life balance and overall employee health.
The New Legislation
The new rule, which was included in a slew of labor legislation last year, gives employees of companies that provide round-the-clock services to clients the choice of working an extra two hours each day or taking on an extra eight-hour shift each week.
This doesn’t apply to every firm, though. For instance, the new rule does not apply to certain industries, such as food service and tourism.
What Will Change After the New Law?
The new regulation increases the allowed weekly working hours up to 48 with the possibility to reach up to 55 hours under certain conditions.
Further, the law of combating and preventing corruption introduces a six-day work week, with Sunday being a regular working day.
Impact on Employers
As for the advantages of the new law, they apply to employers for the following reasons. By working more hours, firms are in a position to provide optimum output that could elevate their competitiveness, hence enhancing their performance.
Also, the six-day workweek can be efficient in preventing costs of hiring extra working force for the week or contracting out different jobs.
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Benefits for Employees
Though the new law looks like an extra place where the employees need to jump through hoops, they also get some advantages.
Due to the longer working hours, employees are in a position to have more control over the work done and the possibility to take a break from work during the day. Also, the six days of work in a week could offer more chances for overtime and possibly, a better salary.
Concerns About Work-Life Balance
However, critics have pointed out that the new law may lead to a compromise on employees’ work-life balance and well-being. This increases the working hours and may result in the workers getting burned out, tired, and less satisfied with their jobs.
Moreover, the six-day workweek means that individuals are unable to bring enough meaningful rest to their daily business and spend time with friends and close ones.
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Impact on Certain Industries
It is predicted that the new law will affect some specific areas of the economy that involve working time exceeding the present standards. For instance, the hotel industry and the medical field.
For instance, industries such as retail and education may not be deeply impacted by the occurrence of these forces.
Industry Reaction
While most of the reactions have been positive, reactions from members of the industry have been a bit mixed.
It has been met with enthusiasm by some people who suggested that it is the right measure that needs to be taken to improve the economy. But other people are worried about the effect it will have on the morale and productivity of workers.
Unions React
Labor organizations have criticized it and said that the passing of the new law means the exploitation of workers and the deterioration of their rights. They are asking for engagements with the government to solve their issues.
The government authorities have justified the new law by stating that it is vital to effectively stabilize the country’s economy. Also, to minimize the rate of unemployment. This they argue will extend employment opportunities and enhance the growth of the country’s economy.
Implementation Challenges
The changes needed to put into operation the new law will entail amendments to labor laws and regulations as well. To coordinate the process of implementation as well as minimize hitches, the government has even formed a task force.
Economic theory suggests that the new law will create conditions favorable for the development of the Greek economy. Also, improve productivity and competitiveness. Yet, they also note that it can take some time to achieve the same positive outcomes.
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Social Impact
The new law has left its social beneficiaries unspecified or indeterminate. While the identified employees may find themselves making more money.
The rest may fail to balance the pros of working and handling personal responsibilities and may not be content with their jobs.
Employee Engagement
To minimize the above-mentioned detriments employers need to focus on employee participation and employee health.
This can be done through practices such as allowing employees to work remotely. Also, support of structured learning, and encouragement of reasonable working hours.
Audacious Strategy
The application of the new measures such as extended working hours and six days working week in Greece can be described as an audacious strategy that can help to strike at the root of unemployment.
On the positive side, for employees, as well as employers, it provides advantages. However, on the negative side, it is associated with work-life conflict and the consequences for employees’ health. While the process of implementation continues we can only hope that all these concerns have been well taken into consideration.
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