Four-day workweek in Russia: 5 facts about the new workweek

Contents:

• Optimization or Necessity?
• The Effectiveness of a Four-Day Workweek: Myth or Reality?
• The Four-Day Workweek in Russia: Reality or Myth?
• Employee Attitudes to the Four-Day Workweek
• The Future of the Four-Day Workweek in Russia: Who Will Introduce It and When?

• Four-day workweek: optimization or necessity?
• The effectiveness of a four-day workweek
• Four-day workweek in Russia: expert opinions
• Employees on the four-day workweek
• Who can implement a four-day workweek in Russia?

Optimization or necessity?

The four-day workweek is becoming not just a trend, but a real practice that many developed countries are implementing into their work processes. This approach means that employees get three days off instead of two, which helps to improve the balance between work and personal life. A key element of this model is the 100:80:100 principle, which implies 100% productivity with 80% of the working time and full pay. This work format increases employee motivation, improves their psycho-emotional state, and, as a result, increases the company's overall efficiency. The introduction of a four-day workweek can be an important step toward a more harmonious and productive work environment.

This concept extends beyond office jobs. In March 2021, Germany's largest trade union, IG Metall, implemented a shortened workweek for 3.9 million employees in the metal and mechanical engineering industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. This move underscores the universality and relevance of shortened working hours across various sectors of the economy. Implementing such practices can increase productivity, improve work-life balance, and contribute to employee satisfaction.

In Russia, the issue of introducing a four-day workweek began to be actively discussed in 2019. This occurred after a statement by then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev at a session of the International Labor Organization. He noted that the constant pursuit of results leads to professional burnout and decreased productivity. Medvedev emphasized that many workers face chronic stress and fatigue, which negatively impacts their effectiveness. Introducing a four-day workweek could be a solution for improving the quality of life of employees and enhancing the working atmosphere.

Many employers were initially skeptical about reducing working hours. According to a HeadHunter study, only 12% of companies considered this measure in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the situation on the labor market. In April 2020, 50% of companies began reducing working hours to minimize the risk of mass layoffs. Even large corporations, such as Sibur, implemented a four-day workweek for their office employees, a significant step in adapting to the new conditions. Reducing working hours not only preserves jobs but also improves productivity, an important aspect for modern business. In January 2022, Sovcombank began an experiment implementing a four-day workweek. Approximately 1,000 back-office employees participated in testing the new work schedule in a coworking space in Turkey. After a temporary suspension, the experiment was resumed in June 2022 in Sochi. The results of this experiment have not yet been published.

Nadiya Imametdinova, Head of Corporate Values ​​at Sovcombank, reported positive results from the pilot implementation of the new work model. From the very first day, employees have demonstrated greater efficiency in completing tasks. The increased productivity confirms the feasibility of the transition to this work format, which could be an important step in developing corporate culture and streamlining processes at the bank.

The four-day workweek is gaining popularity and is becoming an important topic of discussion for employers and employees. Despite the lack of definitive data on its results, many companies and employees are considering the benefits of this work scheme. In an environment of increasing competition and the desire to improve productivity, implementing a four-day workweek can be an effective solution for attracting and retaining talent, as well as improving work-life balance.

The Effectiveness of the Four-Day Workweek: Myth or Reality?

Modern research confirms that a four-day workweek can provide the same or even higher productivity compared to the traditional five-day model. An example of the successful implementation of this approach is the New Zealand investment company Perpetual Guardian, which introduced a 32-hour workweek in November 2018. About 240 employees of the company switched to the new schedule, while maintaining the same level of wages. This transition not only increased employee satisfaction but also contributed to improved productivity, highlighting the effectiveness of alternative work models.

The results of the experiment were impressive. The volume of work completed over four days remained stable, while employees became more creative, were less likely to be late, stayed in the office early, and significantly shortened their breaks. Professor Jarrod Haar of the Auckland University of Technology, who oversaw the initiative, noted that this work model has been successfully operating for four years. These results highlight the effectiveness of this new approach to work organization, which contributes to a better working climate and increased productivity.

Impressive results in the area of ​​work time optimization have also been achieved in Japan. A Microsoft subsidiary decided to conduct an experiment, switching employees to a four-day work schedule for a month. The results were astonishing: productivity increased by 40%, while energy and printing costs decreased by 23% and 59%, respectively. These data highlight the importance of implementing effective work schedules to reduce costs and improve overall productivity. Optimizing working hours is becoming key to successfully managing resources and improving work processes.

A key element in the successful transition to a four-day work week was a change in the daily routine. The time allotted for negotiations was reduced to half an hour, and the number of meeting participants was limited to five. The majority of communications now take place via online chats, which significantly increases overall work efficiency. Such measures contribute to faster decision-making and workflow optimization.

A Four-Day Workweek in Russia: Reality or Myth?

The introduction of a four-day work week in Russia currently seems unlikely, according to Valery Sidorenko, CEO of the digital agency Interium and a member of the Moscow Council of Entrepreneurs. He notes that the low level of digitalization and automation of business processes in the country significantly limits companies' willingness to reduce working hours. A successful transition to a four-day workweek requires significantly improving work efficiency and implementing modern technologies, which requires time and resources. Without these changes, the implementation of a shorter workweek in Russia remains uncertain.

Sidorenko emphasizes that sectors such as heavy industry pose significant challenges in implementing a four-day workweek. These sectors lack the necessary infrastructure to implement this model. With technological advances lagging behind the demands of the modern market, discussions of a transition to a four-day workweek appear premature.

Sergey Elin, an expert with the Moscow City Branch of Opora Rossii and head of the AIP audit and consulting group, emphasizes that the Russian mentality is largely incompatible with the requirements of a four-day workweek. He notes that many workers lack sufficient self-organization and responsibility, which creates difficulties in transitioning to more efficient work models. The importance of adapting work processes to new conditions requires attention to increasing employee self-management and their readiness for change. The transition to a four-day workweek is possible if two key conditions are met. The first is the need to increase labor productivity by at least 20%. To achieve this goal, it is important to implement a performance tracking system, such as KPIs, but many companies have not yet implemented this approach. The second condition involves changing employee attitudes toward time management. Employees must consciously analyze how much time is spent on various tasks, which will allow for a more efficient organization of the work process. This approach can significantly improve both individual and overall business productivity.

A successful transition to a four-day workweek requires not only a change in the internal culture of companies but also significant investments in process automation and employee training. This will improve operational efficiency and ensure a smooth transition to the new work regime, contributing to an improved quality of life for employees and increased productivity. Investing in technology and employee skills development will be key to achieving positive results.

Employee Attitudes Toward a Four-Day Workweek

During the pandemic, Russians' attitudes toward a four-day workweek have changed significantly. While in 2019, only 29% of respondents expressed support for this idea, according to the latest data, 78% of citizens now favor reducing working hours. This change in public opinion is largely due to the experience of remote work, which has demonstrated that businesses can successfully operate outside the traditional office environment. A shorter workweek has become a hot topic of discussion, as it can improve quality of life, increase productivity, and reduce stress among workers.

Concerns about reduced income remain. In some regions, such as Udmurtia, the transition to a four-day workweek results in a 20% reduction in wages. These conditions are causing discontent among employees, which can negatively impact morale and overall productivity.

The issue of implementing a four-day workweek without loss of income is becoming increasingly relevant in international practice. In Iceland, from 2015 to 2019, trade unions conducted a significant experiment in reducing working hours, which involved civil servants. The results showed that 86% of participants either already work fewer hours or were given the opportunity to reduce their working hours while maintaining their pay. This experience highlights the potential benefits of a four-day workweek, such as increased productivity and improved quality of life for employees.

Ivan Milykh, Chairman of the Novoprof Union, believes that improving working conditions in Russia is possible through raising wages and reducing overtime. He emphasizes that employees in both the formal and informal sectors often face excessive workloads, while their incomes remain low. "Only by ensuring decent wages will we be able to return to the discussion of introducing a four-day workweek," Milykh notes. Improving working conditions and increasing wages are key factors for improving the quality of life for workers and sustainable economic development.

Dmitry Trudovoy, Chairman of the MPRA, emphasizes that compliance with labor standards in Russia remains a pressing issue. He cites the case of Ford, which ignored a court decision to implement a 36-hour workweek. Instead of complying with the court order, the company chose to pay fines for overtime. This incident illustrates serious problems in the area of ​​compliance with labor laws and the need to increase the responsibility of employers for failure to comply with regulations protecting workers' rights.

Volkswagen was able to reduce working hours without resorting to legislation. Dmitry Trudovoy notes that in 2013, the company signed a collective agreement on wage indexation, which was later amended. "We agreed to a 5% indexation, and exchanged the remaining 5% for a reduction in working hours by 100 hours per year. If we return to a 40-hour workweek, these 100 hours will be double pay." This approach allowed the company to optimize the work process and improve working conditions for employees, which is an important aspect of corporate social responsibility.

The future of the four-day workweek in Russia: who will introduce it and when?

Since the beginning of 2022, the discussion of introducing a four-day workweek in Russia remains relevant. Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev actively supports this initiative, emphasizing the importance of a gradual transition to the new work format. Initially, the workday is expected to be shortened by one hour, then by two, and so on, which could contribute to improving workers' quality of life and increasing their productivity. The introduction of a four-day work week could also be a significant step in developing labor relations in the country and adapting it to modern labor market demands.

Many countries are already experimenting with introducing a four-day workweek, and in some states, this approach has received legal form. The main question is society's economic readiness for the transition to a shorter work schedule. As Dmitry Medvedev notes, this topic is actively discussed in the media, and its implementation could significantly impact workers' quality of life and labor productivity.

It is premature to discuss the timing of the introduction of a four-day workweek in Russia at this time. The Moscow Federation of Trade Unions is not prepared to comment on this initiative, as the issue is not being discussed in the State Duma. It is important to monitor the development of the situation and possible legislative initiatives in order to better understand the prospects for this reform in Russian labor legislation.

The Russian Ministry of Labor has expressed doubts about the advisability of introducing a four-day workweek. The head of the department, Anton Kotyakov, noted that there are currently no compelling reasons for switching to such a system. Economic data confirms his opinion: labor productivity in Russia is significantly lower than in the countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This highlights the need for careful analysis and assessment of the potential economic impact of new work schedules.

In 2019, labor productivity in Russia was $26.5 per person. For comparison, in New Zealand, this figure reached $43.2, and in Germany, $72.2. These data highlight significant differences in labor productivity levels between countries. Russia continues to face challenges that hinder improvement in this indicator, while more developed economies demonstrate higher results. Comparing labor productivity across countries can help identify areas for improved efficiency and economic growth in Russia.

Elena Limonova, Managing Partner of the recruitment agency Staff-AP, notes that the transition to a four-day workweek may be driven by job seekers' requests. However, the effectiveness of this work model raises certain doubts. In today's labor market, it's important to consider employee opinions and adapt work processes, but it's also essential to carefully analyze potential risks and business impacts.

New Year's holidays often lead to a decrease in productivity: we reduce work activity a week before the holidays, and then resume work activity a week after. Given a four-day workweek, this creates a less-than-favorable scenario. However, the transition to remote work has already taken place, and job seekers are actively demanding flexible schedules from employers. Therefore, the introduction of a four-day workweek in the future is becoming quite likely.

Valery Sidorenko, CEO of the digital agency Interium, expresses confidence that the introduction of a four-day workweek in Russia is only a matter of time. In his view, this is not only a measure promoting efficiency but also a natural stage in the country's economic development. However, he emphasizes that there is no need to rush this initiative. Above all, it is necessary to increase labor productivity and income levels. Otherwise, free time may be used to search for additional sources of income, which will ultimately lead to negative consequences.

For a deeper understanding of the topic, we recommend reviewing additional materials. This will help you expand your knowledge and gain a more complete understanding of the issue. Additional resources may include articles, studies, and videos that cover key aspects of the topic and provide valuable insights. Don't miss the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and increase your level of expertise in the area of ​​interest to you.

• AUSN — a new tax regime: how it works and which organizations it is suitable for.
• A complete guide to business process management: basic information for managers.
• All about staff motivation: what it is and how to motivate employees effectively.
• An overview of lean manufacturing — the system that changed Japan.