Róisín Shortall
Question:22. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the introduction of a four-day work week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39790/21]
View answerTuesday, 27 July 2021
Questions (22)
Written answers
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused us to rethink and re-evaluate how we work. It has been shown that huge numbers of people can be just as productive while working at home rather than having to commute to the office every day. This has accelerated the shift towards more flexible and family friendly working hours. As we recover from the pandemic, we want to discover more about how we can keep some of the gains that have been made in terms of less commuting and more family time.
Together with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, my Department intends to seek proposals from the research community on the social, economic and environmental implications of reduced working time. The idea of the four day working week is ambitious, in terms of achieving the same outcomes and productivity for the same pay, with potentially 20 percent fewer hours worked. It is important, however, to maintain an open mind when it comes to innovations in the world of work. This research is being commissioned to provide the Government with a much greater understanding of the potential of the idea.
Similar research has been carried out in other jurisdictions to give consideration to how, for example, a move to a four day week would impact on greenhouse has emissions, environmental pollution and resource and energy consumption; macro-economic impacts, employment levels, business competitiveness and staff productivity; and gender inequality, staff wellbeing and job satisfaction.
I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications that the research call will issue in the coming weeks. This call will provide an opportunity to address these impacts in the specific context of the Irish economy.