Greece’s Six-Day Workweek Initiative: A Growth-Oriented Approach to Promoting Well-Being and Boosting the Economy

In July, Greece is set to implement a limited six-day workweek in an effort to improve its economy. This change, described as “growth-oriented” by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, aims to reduce tax evasion and undeclared work. While this move contrasts with trends in some other economies, such as Europe and the United States, where there have been discussions of moving towards a four-day workweek, it reflects a growing global trend towards more flexible and humane work arrangements.

In recent years, Greece has faced significant economic challenges due to austerity measures, increased taxes, and bailout loans from the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has introduced legislation this year that would define a workweek as 32 hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act, while a survey of American CEOs revealed that 30% are considering new shifts in work schedules, such as a four-day or four-and-a-half-day workweek. These changes in workweek policies aim to protect workers from extreme heat and ensure their well-being.