After much talk and speculation, the Scottish Government have announced a trial of a 4-day working week, with no loss of pay. The public have given it a lot of support: What do you think? Is this the best way to encourage employers to be flexible? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-58403087 |
Replies
In principle, I think it's a great idea, especially if employees can choose the day they have off (some may prefer a longer weekend on Monday or Friday, others may like a midweek break)
However as with all things government making sure they don't cut pay, etc. in the long run after the publicity has died down.
Also some people produce the same amount of work in 3 days that it takes others 5 days to complete.
Agree with idea of a 4 day week in other businesses etc. however do feel the 5 day week needs to be sorted out first (e.g. with some people working 7 days) and that the 4 day week for government staff isn't just a token gesture or publicity stunt!
I agree there are a number of things to iron out first Simon Pittman before this can run successfully.
I know from experience that flexible working benefits both employee and employer: I've done 9-day fortnight's where Friday or Monday was the day off...I loved every second Monday off!
However, the tricky question of money is always the hard part: should the employer bear the brunt or should the employee do extra hours, ie longer days? I think there will be a few tough conversations needed to get this one right.
As it's no loss of pay, are they adding extra hours to the remaining 4 days? I'd be interested to see how the trial goes!
Now there's a good question Jessie Crawley and perhaps the government need to look further into this!
I think for SMEs in particular, the employee would have to do longer days to make up the hours as most SMEs don't have a wee pot of extra cash lying around! Whereas larger companies could potentially absorb the extra cost. It will be interesting to see how the trial goes! 😁