The long-awaited moment has finally arrived. The discussion regarding the much-desired shorter workweek has reached Parliament. Specifically, on April 4th, three legislative proposals to introduce the shorter workweek in Italy were presented to the Labor Committee in the Chamber of Deputies.
The proposals come from:
Alleanza Verdi-Sinistra: proposes a reduction in working hours to 34 hours per week over 4 days, with the option to choose one day off per week. Additionally, a fund will be established for contributions to employers who opt for this model.
Movimento 5 Stelle: aims for a 32-hour workweek over 4 days.
Partito Democratico: proposes a reduction from 40 to 35 hours per week, with no change in salary. It also includes the possibility of a contribution for employers who choose this option, equal to 30% of the contributions to be paid for each worker.
The benefits of the shorter workweek
Supporters of the shorter workweek suggest several benefits, which we have already discussed. Among them:
Improved work-life balance: workers would have more time to dedicate to family, hobbies, and relaxation.
Increased productivity: well-rested and motivated workers would be more efficient and productive.
Reduced stress: working fewer hours could reduce work-related stress and improve the mental health of workers.
Better work-family reconciliation: with an extra day off per week, it would be easier for parents to take care of their children and for older individuals to care for their loved ones.
Lower environmental impact: reducing commuting for work would have a positive effect on the environment.
The current situation in Italy
In Italy, as we have reported, some companies have already successfully experimented with the shorter workweek, with encouraging results (Sanpaolo, SACE, Lamborghini). However, critics emphasize hypothetical disadvantages, such as the creation of a work culture strictly tied to time constraints or the reduction of moments for professional sharing.
The start of the discussion in Parliament about the shorter workweek represents, in any case, a much-anticipated moment for many workers and entrepreneurs in Italy. For some time, the potential benefits of this new work organization have been discussed, which - we repeat - could lead to an improvement in work-life balance, an increase in productivity, and a reduction in stress.
The proposals presented are varied and will need to be carefully evaluated to identify the solution best suited to the country's needs. However, the opening of this debate is a positive sign, demonstrating growing attention toward new, more flexible, and sustainable work models, of which NotOnlyDesk has been, since its inception, the foremost promoter.
