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Four-day week 'would have savings for workers and employers'

Trade unions have encouraged Irish companies to trial the approach
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

14.19 20 Sep 2022


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Four-day week 'would have savi...

Four-day week 'would have savings for workers and employers'

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

14.19 20 Sep 2022


Share this article


Implementing a four-day working week could be beneficial to both employees and employers.

That's according to Caroline Reidy, human resources expert from the HR Suite.

She was speaking after Dublin City councillors unanimously backed a motion for a four-day working week last year.

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While trade unions have also encouraged Irish companies to trial the approach.

Caroline told Newstalk Breakfast it can be a win-win.

"I think there's definitely merit with all of the increased challenges in relation to the heating, energy costs, fuel costs and the commute, etc.

"And all the build up of childcare costs if somebody's got an additional day of work.

"In jobs where this might be something that's possible - we've already seen some companies trialling the four-day week - including Dublin City Council.

"So let's maybe open our minds to see could this work in other jobs that might suit a four-day week."

She said even people coming into the office, to save on their own energy bills, have to pay in other ways.

"We're starting to see people saying 'Actually my electricity bill is after increasing because I'm at home with my computer costs, heating costs, etc' especially as we go into the winter.

"They're starting to say 'Actually I'd like to maybe go back into the office a little bit more'.

"But then they've got the fuel costs of the commute in and out".

Caroline said there's also a cost for businesses "in terms of space and heating and energy costs".

She added: "Maybe in jobs that a four-day week is an option, which means that the work is condensed into four days, that there's savings for the person... and there's potential savings for the employer as well".

Main image: A businessman checking appointments in a calendar. Picture by: Elizabeth Crego / Alamy Stock Photo

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Caroline Reidy Dublin City Council Four Day Week Four Day Working Week Hr Suite Newstalk Breakfast

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