Working time reduction

Agnieszka Piasna

Chapter 54 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Business and Government, 2026, pp 317-322 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Working time reduction (WTR) refers to a general shortening in statutory, contractual or collectively agreed weekly or annual working time, in principle without loss of pay compared with full-time work. Historical trends in industrialized countries show a tendency towards shorter working hours in line with technological and social progress. However, the decline in the full-time norm came to a halt at the end of the 20th century and was largely replaced by an increase in non-standard working time arrangements and precarious forms of work. This entry reviews the theoretical and historical foundations of WTR, summarizes recent developments and identifies the actors and motives driving change.

Keywords: Working time reduction; Four-day week; Employment policy; Working hours; Work-life balance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035307777
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