Greece implemented a limited six-day workweek this month in an effort to boost its economy.
Starting in July, certain 24-hour industries in Greece may allow employees to opt for a 48-hour workweek instead of the usual 40 hours. Employees working beyond 40 hours will receive an additional 40% in overtime pay.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the change as “growth-oriented” and aimed at reducing tax evasion resulting from unreported work.
After the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, Greece faced a sovereign debt crisis that led to austerity measures, increased taxes, and ultimately, financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank.
Unlike some other economies in Europe and the United States, which are considering a four-day workweek, Greece is moving towards a longer workweek.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, for instance, proposed a bill this year to define a workweek as 32 hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
In a recent survey of American CEOs, 30% indicated they were “exploring new organization-wide work schedule shifts such as a 4-day or 4.5-day workweek.”
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