Greece’s six-day working week is a backward step for wellbeing and work-life balance, says the CIPD

Ben Willmott, head of public policy at the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said:

“This is a significant backward step. Longer working weeks don’t give people time to adequately rest and recharge and could negatively impact their wellbeing and their ability to work productively.

“The focus for improving productivity should be on smarter working, rather than increasing work intensity or longer working hours. This means organisations investing more in technology and people management and development capability. Improvements to people management practices and responsible adoption of AI and other forms of technology also have the potential to enhance job quality and improve people’s work-life balance.”