The first city in Poland introduces a shortened week of work

Leszno, 1 of the cities in Poland, will become a pioneer in experimenting with the shortened week of working in public administration. As of 1 July, it introduces a 35-hour working week at municipal offices, which represents a bold step towards improving the efficiency and satisfaction of workers. The city's president, Grzegorz Rusiecki, emphasises that this is simply a pilot action aimed at verifying whether reducing working time will bring expected results.

Short Work Week: What does it mean?

The decision to shorten the working week from 40 to 35 hours is part of a greater discussion on the work-life balance. In practice, this means that officials will work 7 hours a day alternatively of 8 while retaining the existing wage and the number of vacation days. Rusiecki points out that he will monitor the impact of this change on productivity and efficiency of work, based on reports prepared by the heads and managers.

National Background to the Decision

The amendments to Leszno are part of a national discussion on shortening working time. There is simply a legislative process in the Sejm to amend the Labour Code to reduce the weekly working time standard to 35 hours. Leszno, as the first city in Poland, implements these changes at local level, which can be an example for another local units.

Exemptions in the Magisterium

However, reducing working hours is not the only changes that await Leszna City Hall. president Rusiecki announced the dismissal of 30 employees. These exemptions apply mainly to those employed for the word of office of the erstwhile president, Łukasz Borowiak. Rusiecki notes that over the last 10 years the number of employees in the office has increased by 20%, which has placed a crucial burden on the city budget.

Details of exemptions

• Seven people It broke up with the office by agreement of the parties.
• Nine people declared retirement by July next year.
• Thirteen has been released as part of the liquidation of the job.

In total, 29 people will leave the office. Rusiecki stresses that these measures are essential to guarantee the financial stableness of the city. "The budget is not made of rubber," says the president, pointing to the request to rationalise spending.

Benefits and Challenges of Short Work Week

The decision to introduce abbreviated work week has many benefits, but besides challenges.

Benefits:

• Improving the work-life balance: The shortening of the working week can contribute to better well-being of workers, which in turn can increase their efficiency.
• Stress simplification and fatigue: little working hours can lead to reduced levels of stress and fatigue, which has a affirmative impact on workers' health.
• Increasing the attractiveness of office work: A shorter week of work can attract more candidates to work at the office, allowing for better selection of staff.

Challenges:

• Potential productivity decline: A simplification in working time may lead to concerns about reduced productivity if employees are incapable to execute their duties in a shorter time.
• The request for effective monitoring: Close monitoring and analysis of the impact of changes on productivity will be necessary, which may require additional resources and tools.
• Adaptation to fresh conditions: Both employees and managers will gotta adapt to fresh working conditions, which may require time and support.

Future of Short Work Week in Poland

Leszno experimentation can become a model for another cities and municipalities in Poland if it is successful. The implementation of a shorter week of work on a wider scale can aid to improve the quality of life of public administration staff and besides inspire the private sector.

Key Factors of Success:

• Effective management of change: The success of the experimentation will depend on effective management of change and support for workers in adaptation to fresh working conditions.
• Regular monitoring and analysis: Continuous monitoring of the impact of abbreviated work week on the performance and quality of the services provided will be crucial to assessing the effectiveness of this solution.
• Staff involvement: The engagement and support of workers in the decision-making process can increase their commitment and motivation to work under fresh conditions.

Summary

The introduction of an abbreviated week of work and dismissal at the Leszno City Office are courageous steps to improve the efficiency of work and guarantee the financial stableness of the city. These decisions form part of a broader discussion on reducing working time in Poland and can become an crucial step towards a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle of workers.

Monitoring and analysing the results of the experimentation will be crucial to assessing its effectiveness and the feasibility of implementing akin solutions in another local authorities. Leszno, as a pioneer of abbreviated week of public administration, can become an example for another cities and municipalities in Poland, beginning fresh opportunities for improving the quality of life and work in the public sector.