Is shortened working time in Poland working? There are the first conclusions from the pilot

In mid-September last year, the recruitment process for companies interested in participating in the pilot of shortened working time while maintaining remuneration ended. They can use various models – the two main ones are shortening the working week or working hours on individual days.

90 employers (out of nearly 2,000 registered), employing a total of over 5,000 people, were given the opportunity to test shorter working hours. The pilot officially started at the beginning of this year. Today’s “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna” writes about its first effects.

Does shortened working time work?

The daily conducted a survey among the participants of the experiment. The conclusions turn out to be “cautiously optimistic.” – Companies, offices and institutions that test new solutions report greater employee satisfaction, better reconciliation of work and private life and, in some cases, fewer sick leaves. But the pilot also showed that shortening working time is not a gift for the crew. This is a serious exercise in work organization and management – writes the newspaper.

Employees responded very well to the additional time off – this is the most frequently repeated request of the pilot participants. They use it for rest, family matters, regeneration, and sometimes they combine days off with holidays, extending weekends. Employers notice that better balance translates into a calmer atmosphere and greater concentration at work. Some organizations are already talking about specific effects. There are signs of a decrease in sickness absences and greater discipline in carrying out tasks.

However, the management staff found themselves in a more difficult situation. Managers and supervisors must arrange schedules, provide replacements, ensure continuity of service and respond to unplanned absences.

– Planning schedules requires greater commitment and flexibility, especially in the context of ensuring employee replacement. At the same time, it brings a positive effect – knowledge about customers is no longer only possessed by one employee, but is more dispersed among teams – says Piotr Myślak, vice-president of the management board at Symbioza IT, one of the companies participating in the pilot.

Where is it most difficult?

Shortened working hours turn out to be a challenge for cultural institutions, administration and facilities operating continuously (often 24 hours a day). Where the scope of responsibilities remains the same and there is less time, employees feel greater pace and pressure. Implementation also requires changes to regulations, legal interpretations, new digital tools and training.

– After four months, there is still no clear answer whether shorter working hours will work in every entity, but there are first signals that it can improve the well-being of employees without compromising the quality of services. – sums up the daily.