On-site workforce shortening the week in favour of flexibility

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the urgency of discussing more flexible working models like a four-day workweek. Many employees with social anxiety still fear staying longer in their office premises but do not want to reduce their jobs and professional activities. For them, reducing the number of days is about working smarter within a more flexible schedule. Is working four days a week but earning a full salary: a dream or reality for many employees? From each participating country (Austria, Czech Republic, and Slovakia), 200 on-site employees participated in this study. The research methodology includes quantitative data using WhatsApp as a research tool. The obtained data shows that a four-day work week is having a moment with a different attitude to a five-day working week. The workers ready to accept it are most frequent in Austria, followed by the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In all countries, older employees preferring a shorter workweek prevail over younger ones, as well as men over women.