![Are we going to work less? The weekend is expected to start on Thursday. The bill reducing working time is already in the Sejm [9.11.2022]](https://i0.wp.com/d-art.ppstatic.pl/kadry/k/r/1/ae/46/633fdcc09b325_o_original.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1)
The bill reducing the weekly working time from 40 to 35 hours has already been submitted to the Sejm. The shortening of working time standards does not lead to changes in the amount of remuneration, which means that it will not be lower than that received so far. The project also does not provide for restrictions on how to organize working time during the settlement period and allows the system to operate in three eight-hour shifts.
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The fact that we are going to work shorter and faster is inevitable. The discussions will probably revolve around the question of whether the working week should be four days and all Fridays free as Saturdays, or whether the guarantee will apply to the total working time per week: instead of the current 40 hours, set the commonly used standard for 35 hours of work per week.
The bill reducing the weekly working time from 40 to 35 hours has already been submitted to the Sejm. The shortening of working time standards does not lead to changes in the amount of remuneration, which means that it will not be lower than that received so far. The project also does not provide for restrictions on how to organize working time during the settlement period and allows the system to operate in three eight-hour shifts.
And what is the purpose and necessity of adopting the law, and – what consequences can the change in regulations entail?
The purpose of the project is to improve the health of Poles and prevent burnout. According to a study conducted in 2021 by Smartscope on behalf of Nationale-Nederlanden, as many as Polish employees notice symptoms of burnout. Employees need more time to rest, spend time with family and friends, connect with nature, and exercise. The expected effects of the shortening of working time are also an increase in its efficiency – the bill provides for this.
According to OECD data for 2021, Polish employees work an average of 1,830 hours per year, which is the sixth highest result among all OECD countries and the second among European countries.
– In turn, referring to available data, e.g. ZUS, OMS, NFZ, GUS and reports, incl. Mindy – currently an average of 5 hours and 43 minutes of work per week is lost due to the employee’s bad mood. In one year, that gives 36 days of “pretending to work” – so we can conclude that we are dealing with the phenomenon of stress at work called presentism, and at the same time it confirms that the very purpose of the bill is right – says Marek Bugek, wellness trainer at W&W Consulting.
At the same time, the reduction of the working time of employees can be a significant obstacle for the employer, for example due to the same compensation costs with shorter availability of employees, the possibility of reducing the profitability of the company , to increase the risk in terms of working conditions and difficulties in controlling the speed of the tasks performed, which could contribute to higher accident rates.
