Four-day workweek: the Ticino experiment that's revolutionizing work
A Ticinese company is experimenting with a four-day workweek while paying for five days, improving both quality of life and employee productivity.
Contesto
The Four-Day Workweek Experiment A Romandie and Zurich-based administrative services company trialed a four-day workweek with five paid days over six months. The goal was to assess the economic impact and effects on employees' health. The trial involved around forty employees, who could choose how to reduce their working hours. One employee opted for an extra day off each week while maintaining the same salary. 'It's life-changing,' they comment, highlighting that this option 'allows you to not waste Saturdays doing usual household chores.' By moving them to Friday, you 'have the entire weekend free: it's really cool!' ### Trial Results In early April, staff returned to a 42-hour workweek. However, feedback was positive. 'We had excellent feedback on the balance between personal and professional quality of life,' responds one colleague, while another highlights that 'teams were much more motivated.' The latter adds that 'knowing they had less time to complete assigned tasks,' processes were optimized 'to save time,' resulting in a '34-hour workweek instead of 42.' ## Impact on Health and Productivity Sickness-related absences have been rising in Switzerland for a decade. More companies are seeking solutions to reduce costs from this trend. The four-day workweek with five paid days is one such solution. 'People no longer see professional burnout as a badge of honor. And companies realize that their employees' poor health costs them too much,' notes Veit Hailperin, a work organization consultant. 'This is where the four-day week becomes a strategic response:' it improves employees' health and simultaneously 'boosts revenue and employer attractiveness.' ### Implications for Cross-Border Workers In Ticino, the trial of the shorter workweek could have significant impl...
Dettagli operativi
The Impact on Health and Productivity Absences from work due to illness have been steadily increasing in Switzerland for the past 10 years. More and more companies are therefore looking for solutions to reduce the costs associated with this phenomenon. The 4-day workweek with 5 paid days is one of these solutions. 'People no longer consider professional burnout as a kind of badge of honor. And companies realize that the poor health of employees costs them too much,' notes Veit Hailperin, a work organization consultant. 'This is where the 4-day week becomes a strategic response': it indeed improves the health of employees and at the same time 'increases turnover and attractiveness' of the employer. ### Implications for Cross-Border Workers In Ticino, the trial of the short week could have important implications for cross-border workers. With the reduction of working hours, employees could have more time for personal and family activities, improving the quality of life. Furthermore, the increased motivation and productivity could translate into better career opportunities and remuneration. ## What to Do for Interested Cross-Border Workers If you are a cross-border worker interested in trying the short week, it is important to inform yourself with your employer. Some companies in Ticino are already experimenting with this model, and others may follow suit. It is crucial to carefully evaluate the pros and cons, considering your personal and professional needs. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the tax and pension implications, such as withholding tax and AVS and LPP contributions. ### Procedure for Cross-Border Workers 1. Inform yourself with your employer: Check if the company is experimenting with or plans to experiment with the short week. 2. Evaluate t...
Punti chiave
The impact on health and productivity Absences from work due to illness have been steadily increasing in Switzerland for the past 10 years. More and more companies are therefore seeking solutions to reduce the costs associated with this phenomenon. The 4-day workweek with 5 paid days is one of these solutions. 'People no longer consider professional burnout as a kind of badge of honor. And companies realize that the poor health of employees costs them too much,' notes Veit Hailperin, a work organization consultant. 'This is where the 4-day week becomes a strategic response': it improves the health of employees and at the same time 'increases revenue and attractiveness' of the employer. ### Implications for cross-border workers In Ticino, the trial of the short week could have important implications for cross-border workers. With the reduction of working hours, employees could have more time for personal and family activities, improving the quality of life. Furthermore, the increased motivation and productivity could translate into better career opportunities and remuneration. ## What to do for interested cross-border workers If you are a cross-border worker interested in trying the short week, it is important to inform yourself with your employer. Some companies in Ticino are already experimenting with this model, and others may follow suit. It is crucial to carefully evaluate the pros and cons, considering your personal and professional needs. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the tax and pension implications, such as withholding tax and AVS and LPP contributions. ### Procedure for cross-border workers 1. Inform yourself with your employer: Check if the company is experimenting with or plans to experiment with the short week. 2. Evaluate tax and pensi...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What is the short week?","a":"The short week is a work model that involves reducing the weekly working hours, usually to 4 days, while maintaining the same salary. This model has been tested by some companies in Switzerland to assess the impact on the health and productivity of employees."},{"q":"What are the advantages of the short week for cross-border workers?","a":"The short week can offer cross-border workers more time for personal and family activities, improving their quality of life. Additionally, it can increase motivation and productivity, translating into better career opportunities and remuneration."},{"q":"How can I find out about the short week at my employer?","a":"You can inquire with your employer to see if the company is experimenting with or plans to experiment with the short week. It's important to carefully evaluate the pros and cons, considering your personal and professional needs."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the short week?
- The short week is a work model that involves reducing the weekly working hours, usually to 4 days, while maintaining the same salary. This model has been tested by some companies in Switzerland to assess the impact on the health and productivity of employees.
- What are the advantages of the short week for cross-border workers?
- The short week can offer cross-border workers more time for personal and family activities, improving their quality of life. Additionally, it can increase motivation and productivity, translating into better career opportunities and remuneration.
- How can I find out about the short week at my employer?
- You can inquire with your employer to see if the company is experimenting with or plans to experiment with the short week. It's important to carefully evaluate the pros and cons, considering your personal and professional needs.