Die 4-Tage-Woche – Ein Zukunftsmodell für die Arbeitswelt?: Eine Einschätzung aus arbeitsrechtlicher Perspektive

Höpfner Clemens ()
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Höpfner Clemens: Universität zu Köln Institut für Arbeits- und Wirtschaftsrecht Köln Deutschland

Zeitschrift für Wirtschaftspolitik, 2024, vol. 73, issue 2, 125-135

Abstract: The four-day workweek is currently one of the most discussed topics in labor policy and economics. Historically advocated by employers to reduce personnel costs without comprehensive wage compensation, the concept has evolved. Today, it is primarily supported by unions and employee-oriented political parties, with many employees seeing it as a way to improve work-life balance. This shift reflects a labor market that has become more employee-driven due to demographic changes and a general labor shortage. This article explores the legal framework for implementing a four-day workweek under three models: with unchanged weekly working hours, with reduced hours and full wage compensation, and with reduced hours without wage compensation. It discusses the potential benefits and challenges of each model, including legal constraints, the impact on labor costs, and the implications for productivity and labor relations. The conclusion considers a change from the previous daily to a weekly maximum working time to be indispensable. It calls for flexible, tailored solutions through collective agreements and further research on the long-term effects of the four-day workweek on productivity, employee satisfaction, and the economy.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1515/zfwp-2024-2009

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