Introducing reduced working hours could bring significant economic and social advantages, not only benefiting workers but also employers. Research shows that shorter work weeks lead to higher productivity across various sectors, and can result in increased profits for businesses. One of the most prominent issues being addressed in global workplaces today is “burnout,” a condition caused by prolonged stress on the job.
Currently, Serbs work an average of 43 hours per week, making them the highest in Europe, according to Eurostat data.
Why shorter work weeks make sense
Marko Miletić, the author of a proposal for a shorter work week presented at a panel hosted by the “Solidarity” political platform, highlights the economic, political, and historical reasons behind the call for reduced working hours.
Economic reasons include increased productivity, more sustainable growth, lower energy consumption, fewer workplace injuries, and higher consumption from additional leisure time. Politically, trade unions and civil society organizations pressure for changes in public policies that foster welfare and address unemployment. Historically, advancements in labor rights and technological progress make it clear that more can be produced with less human labor. As economist John Maynard Keynes predicted in 1930, by 2030, technology could reduce the average work week to 15 hours.
Miletić argues, “All the arguments favor reducing working hours. There’s no empirical data to prove it’s bad, and the collaboration between trade unions, employers, and political parties is key to this change.” The demand for shorter work hours is a global movement, even seen in countries like Japan addressing overwork issues.
Reducing stress and boosting health
Psychologist Sarita Bradaš reports that in 2024, 25% of permanent employees in Serbia worked 48 or more hours a week. She suggests that the increase in workplace stress results from factors like poor work-life balance, especially for parents. Studies consistently show that shorter work hours reduce stress, which in turn decreases anxiety, depression, and other health issues.
Bradaš also notes that reducing working hours could cut down on sick leave and absenteeism, boosting productivity and employee engagement. Moreover, it would contribute to narrowing the gender employment gap, which currently sees 12% fewer women employed compared to men.
However, she points out that simply reducing hours without raising wages won’t solve the problem. “What will happen to us if we get the working week shortened to four days? I’ll need an extra job just to make ends meet,” she adds.
A new focus on well-being
Miloš Baković Jadžić, a spokesperson for “Solidarity,” argues that reducing working hours could lead to nearly full employment, providing job opportunities for marginalized groups like people with disabilities and national minorities. Shorter work weeks would also have positive environmental, health, and social impacts, with reduced injuries, improved mental health, and more time for social engagement.
However, he acknowledges the challenge: “In a country where labor rights are often ignored, where workplace deaths are common, the prospect of shorter working hours seems far-fetched.”
Government resistance
Despite the clear benefits, achieving this change is not easy, particularly with current political opposition. President Vučić’s remarks about workweek reductions reflect the government’s reluctance to embrace such reforms. While employers may be more inclined toward reducing working hours, the government has yet to support these changes.
“The bigger problem is the state and its policies, rather than the employers,” Baković Jadžić comments.
Miletić suggests that such progressive changes won’t happen under the current government, noting that this issue requires a shift in leadership. He envisions a future where a strong campaign, much like the student protests, will drive these changes.
The idea that a general strike might serve as a catalyst for shorter work weeks has also been raised. Miletić believes that experiences like the COVID-19 pandemic, where essential services functioned with fewer working hours, could demonstrate that it is possible to thrive with reduced work hours.
As the panelists concluded, creating widespread support for shorter work hours will require ongoing public dialogue and determination.
