A 4-day work week trial has begun in Germany as the country battles to revive its struggling economy. This week, several German companies will give their employees one extra day off every week, while still paying them for the entire week. Unions have claimed that working less would make employees more productive, as well as healthier and happier. Additionally, it could provide companies with a way to attract new employees, as a skilled labor shortage in the European country means employers have been struggling to fill open jobs. Statistics show that German workers missed 21.3 work days in 2022, causing the country to lose out on €207 billion ($224 billion). If it works, the 4-day work week won’t cost anything in the long run. A similar trial in the UK saw a 65% decrease in sick days, while a study in Portugal showed that anxiety and sleep disorders were reduced by about 20%.
