[WORD_ON_THE_WEB] 'It’s time we consider the four-day workweek'

Britain is testing out a four-day workweek system. The Guardian reported that about seventy workplaces including banks and investment companies will take part in the experiment.

More than 3,300 workers who participate in the experiment will work four days a week for six months.

The experiment is based on the 100-80-100 model, which means workers receive 100 percent of the pay for 80 percent of the time and maintain 100 percent productivity.

The researchers plan to study the effects the system has on corporal productivity, working environment and gender equality.

Britain isn’t the only country interested in the four-day workweek system.

Belgium was the first country in the European Union to enact the system. Iceland also tested the system out in 2015.

#different_situations
“Our situation is different from Europe. European countries don’t rely heavily on manufacturing as we do.”
“Why are we trying to copy their system? No matter how good a self-help book is, you implement it differently according to the condition of your surroundings. Shouldn’t we adjust the system to fit our country’s needs?”

#worth_a_shot
“When will Korea be able to try out systems like this? We are regressing.”
“It’s time we consider the four-day workweek. Other countries are implementing it. We could at least experiment like Britain is doing right now.”

#no_blind_spots
“I work six days a week. Even five-day workweeks seem out of reach for me. I’m jealous and let down. I hope we legalize the system for every profession.”
“If Korea decides to implement the system, it will only be for public officials. The rest of us will continue working five days a week.”

BY LEE SI-YEOUNG, YOO JI-WOO [yoo.jiwoo@joongang.co.kr]