The discussion on the future of work is gaining momentum both in Poland and in the world. 1 of the hottest topics is the thought of a four-day working week. The Chief Labour Inspector, Marcin Stanecki, in an interview with the Polish Press Agency (PAP) shared his thoughts on this subject, as well as on distant work and changes to the Trade Act on Sunday.
Are we going to work less?
Stanecki stresses that the issue of shortening working time is not only a trend but alternatively an inevitable future. Experts foretell that the average working time will be importantly shorter over the next decades. The Head of State Labour Inspection (PIP) cites studies which show that working time can be only 15 hours a week in 2030.
In order to analyse the impact of the four-day working week on Polish realities, the Central Labour Protection Institute (CIOP) will conduct yearly studies. Researchers will analyse how specified a solution will affect accidents, workers' wellness and business productivity. Stanecki stresses that the results of these studies will be crucial for deciding on possible changes to labour law.
Although many studies point to the affirmative impact of shortening working time on workers' intellectual health, productivity and satisfaction with life, the PIP chief points out the request for long-term research. As he points out, short-term experiments may not reflect the real impact of specified a solution in the long term.
"Most investigation shows that erstwhile it comes to shortening working time, affirmative ones prevail. However, there are objections. In the course of research, people achieved advanced productivity within 4 days due to the fact that they had 3 days off, and the work was done briefly due to the fact that the survey was short. We are able to work 3 months at maximum speeds, with a view that we will work less, but we do not know what will happen, for example, after 3 years, if people will inactive be able to work so hard.” Stanecki said.
Remote Work – The Future of Work?
Parallel to the discussion of the four-day work week, there is simply a debate on the future of distant work. Stanecki emphasizes that in Polish reality the rules on distant work have worked very well. Workers are happy to usage this form of work, and employers appreciate its flexibility. The PIP chief even proposes to increase the limit of days on which you can work remotely.
"This works great, many employers are happy with it. If I were to indicate any change, I would increase the limit of occasional distant work from 24 days a year to 36 days a year."
Trade on Sunday – Social and economical Aspects
The issue of trade on Sundays raises much controversy and has not only a social but besides an economical dimension. Supporters of liberalisation argue that additional business days would revive the market, make fresh jobs and increase business income. Adversaries fear that this will lead to the exhaustion of workers and the failure of balance between work and private life.
Stanecki claims that if the work in the trade on Sunday was to be reinstated, it should be "sentifully rewarded, for example, with a double hourly rate, and then willing to do it themselves."
“In 2050, repeating the words of Elon Musk, only whoever wants to work will work.” Stanecki said.
Summary
The future of work in Poland faces many challenges and opportunities. The four-day working week, distant work and trade regulations on Sunday are subjects that will surely proceed to be debated intensively. It is crucial that decisions on these issues be taken on the basis of sound investigation and analysis, bearing in head both the well-being of workers and the interests of entrepreneurs.
Continued here:
Shortening the week of work in Poland is possible – the Chief Labour Inspector believes
