Experimentation with Four-Day Workweek in France and Work Hour Trends in Italy

France Explores Four-Day Workweek Without Reduced Hours

Gabriel Attal, the French Minister of Public Accounts, announced in late January during his general policy speech that his administration would begin experimenting with a four-day workweek. This experiment will not feature a reduction in total working hours. Attal has also encouraged other ministers to consider this approach, emphasizing the need to adapt to the evolving relationship between French citizens and their work.

High Percentage of Italians Working Long Hours

In Italy, a significant portion of the workforce is engaged in long working hours, with nearly one in ten workers aged 20 to 64 averaging at least 49 hours per week in 2023. This rate surpasses the European Union average and is only lower than the percentages in Greece, France, and Cyprus. The data reveals a strong presence of self-employed individuals in Italy, who typically work longer hours than those in employment contracts, particularly in sectors like services, sales, and agriculture.

Gender Disparities in Work Hours

The trend of long working hours in Italy shows notable gender disparities. Among men, 12.9% work at least 49 hours per week, compared to 5.1% of women. Self-employed men with employees frequently exceed this threshold, with over 50% working these longer hours. The data also highlights that Italian managers and professionals, particularly in service and agricultural sectors, are more likely to work extended hours compared to their European counterparts.

These insights into working hours in France and Italy reflect broader discussions and experiments related to work-life balance and the cultural differences in work habits across Europe.