Mental health | Companies | Collaborators | Four-day work week? | opinion

Last week, Germany once again raised one of the most controversial issues in the world's labor market: reducing the working day from five days a week to four. Naturally, the news is causing controversy around the world, including around the world. . Peru.

The German government, in cooperation with Berlin-based consultancy Intraprenör and 4 Days Week Global (4DWG), has started a six-month pilot program to reduce working hours, an initiative involving 45 people. Companies To determine how this action affects the productivity of its collaborators, and thus the productivity of the business.

This is one of the topics that generates the most debate and speculation in the labor market, but regardless of pro or con positions, here are two key aspects to analyze regarding its impact: Psychological health Collaborators and productivity Companies.

First of all, to get an idea of ​​how important it is Psychological healthIt is important to remember that in 2022, more than 50 million people left their jobs in the United States claiming that, in many cases, they were suffering from “chronic job stress” or “burnout,” a record number in that country, according to the Census Bureau. Labor (BLS), which surpassed another record from the previous year, 2021, when 47.7 million people quit their jobs, marking what was then called “The Great Resignation.”

Our country, of course, does not escape this problem. According to the report “Burnout at Work: How to Prevent Fire in Organizations?”, prepared by BUK in 2023, 61% of Peruvians feel burned out due to their work.

the Psychological health of collaborators is a critical concern that requires attention. This includes finding an appropriate work-life balance, and being able to disconnect without completely separating from the company. It also means strengthening the connection with the company without falling into the pressures resulting from long working hours concentrated on fewer days, such as the tendency to work four days instead of five.

Second, if we reduce the workday from five days a week to four, will we lose productivity? If we asked Henry Ford, he would say no. Let us remember that in 1926 the Ford Motor Company standardized the five-day work week, when it was common at that time to work six days a week. Jim Harter, of the US consultancy, said: “Henry Ford's theory was that working five days, for the same pay, would increase workers' productivity, because people would put in more effort in a shorter work week.” .

The key thing for a company that decides to reduce its working hours is to be prepared: to have a comprehensive work plan that seeks efficiency, innovation and collaboration, facing a global trend that points to fewer working days and increased productivity.

Hybrid work done in Peru A clear example of this: sectors such as services, technology, telecommunications and airlines are leading the way, and also reducing their carbon footprint; All this, with satisfactory results of growth and social impact. Change is possible, but it requires leadership and a good plan that responds to strategy.