Greece increases length of work week, bucking broader trends

While some countries contemplate shorter work weeks, Greece is heading in the opposite direction. Seeking to boost economic growth, the country recently passed a law allowing employers to implement a six-day work week, though the change is not mandatory. Greece faced a debt crisis in 2010, and its economy has long been among Europe’s laggards. As a member of the Eurozone, Greece doesn’t make its own monetary policy, explains Jean-Nicolas Reyt, Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour. Monetary policy for the euro is set by the European Central Bank, and, because of this, Greece has fewer levers at its disposal to fuel economic growth. The move could boost the country’s overall economic output but is unlikely to boost productivity, which is a measure of economic output per hour worked, he tells Radio-Canada's Le 15-18.