A study by talent solutions firm Robert Walters reveals that the traditional 40-hour work week is losing popularity. Over the past year, 44 percent of Irish companies have reported a decline in productivity, with 25 percent of employers considering extending the work week as a solution.

However, 85 percent of employees said they would leave their job if the work week was extended.

Over half (53 percent) of professionals believe that moving to a four-day work week could significantly boost productivity, while 36 percent think that greater flexibility would have a positive impact.

Suzanne Feeney, Country Manager of Robert Walters Ireland, remarks: “The traditional 40-hour work week, which has remained largely unchanged for over a century, is now facing an uncertain future. This underscores growing dissatisfaction that employers must urgently address.

“In recent years, various alternatives to the conventional work week have been tested. While the success of these approaches varies, they raise important questions about whether the traditional work week can meet the demands of today’s workforce.

“With ongoing economic pressures, high living costs, and global labour markets still recovering from the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, significant changes are likely to continue shaping our approach to the work week.”