Does Chile have a 4 Day Work Week?
A new boost for the 4 day work week in Chile is coming
In Chile, the possibility of a 4 day work week has been available since 2017. However, it must be agreed upon between an employer and a union, provided that it represents at least 30% of the company's total workers.
Although several years have passed by this date, the truth is that the 4 day week has not become widespread in Chile for different reasons: misinformation, disbelief regarding its benefits and, mainly, because the vast majority of existing unions do not reach such level of representativeness, so that requirement becomes a challenge to obtain.
Chile's recent move towards a shorter work week.
This situation, however, will change starting next April with the entry of the so-called “40 Hour Law.” Among other novelties, the law will allow the 4 day work week to be agreed upon directly between employers and workers, either individually or collectively, as long as a maximum weekly working day of 40 hours is worked.
How important is this change? Very. Chile has a low percentage of union representation, so the fact that the 4 day work week can be agreed upon directly between an employer and a worker can mean a new boost for the compressed work week.
Where has the 4 day work week been tested before?
4 Day Work Week Global has carried out 4 day work week pilots with organizations in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Portugal or South Africa. There is significant evidence that in these companies their productivity was, at least, maintained, and in many cases increased.
The same occurred with the well-being and general satisfaction of workers, which implied a drastic drop in rates of absenteeism, burnout, and better talent retention.
What's next in Chile's 4-day journey?
Although the 4 day week is not new in Chile, the 32 hour week is. 4 Day Week Global’s partnership with Chilean Country Partners at ZM Consultores hopes to reduce the 40 hour work week by 20% using 4 Day Week Global’s 100:80:100™ methodology.
This milestone creates an opportunity for employers to seriously consider the 4 day work week in their organizations, and begin to generate the internal and national debate to understand its impacts.
How can I contribute to the 4 day week movement?
So, how can we ensure the 4 day work week becomes routine over radical? We’re a non-profit organization looking to bring the 4 day week to as many people across the globe as possible. Our goal is to create a million years of new free time through 4 day week trials and transitions.
Would you like to sponsor us on this journey? Donate as little as $2 per month to become a part of this movement for a 4 Day World.
How can I improve my business with a 4 day week?
We offer support for businesses looking to make the shift to reduced-hour working in several ways:
1. Our Foundation Course
Our Foundation Course is designed for business leaders, consultants and entrepreneurs looking to understand how to implement a 4 day week in their organization, or to support the implementation of one in another organization.
We teach you through six video lecture modules, using the 100-80-100™ model.
2. Our Pilot Programs
We run 4 day week pilots using the 100-80-100™ principle across the globe. You can trial a 4 day week alongside other organizations in your geography. There are many pilots happening in various countries across the world.
Sign up here to register your interest in being a part of one of our pilots and we will let you know when the pilot in your country is kicking off! Alternatively, we have two global pilots happening in 2024, in March and September.
3. One-on-One Consulting
This is for larger organizations who want bespoke one-on-one support throughout the 4 day week planning and implementation process. We will provide you with world-leading experts in reducing working hours to help you on this journey.
