In Ukraine, the possibility of implementing a 4-day work week is being considered

In Ukraine, there is a discussion about the possibility of introducing a four-day work week without reducing the total number of working hours. This initiative suggests that the decision to transition to the new work schedule will be made independently by each business and its workforce.

This is reported by AgroReview

Options during martial law

The head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation, and Customs Policy, Danilo Hetmantsev, stated that he would support the implementation of a four-day work week as an experiment, but emphasized that making it mandatory during wartime is impractical. According to him, employers and employees should have the ability to negotiate changes in the work schedule independently.

“I would support this as an experiment, but it definitely cannot be made mandatory during wartime. Employers should resolve this issue together with their workforce. However, making it optional and providing the opportunity for employers and employees to agree on such a method and schedule of work – I would be in favor of that,” said Hetmantsev.

European experience and flexible conditions

Danilo Hetmantsev noted that similar practices have already been implemented or are actively used in certain European countries, particularly in Belgium and Ireland. Discussions about the possibility of a reduced work week are ongoing in other European states as well. Among the options being considered are maintaining a 40-hour week distributed over four days, as well as individual agreements between employers and employees regarding other working conditions.

Hetmantsev believes that Ukraine could adopt a similar model even during martial law if there is agreement from both businesses and labor collectives. This approach could provide greater flexibility in the labor market and help adapt to modern challenges.