Much has been said about PN Leader Dr. Alex Borg’s proposal for a four-day work week. Several entities, including the Malta Chamber of Commerce, have offered uninformed criticism, arguing that a national socio-economic study should first be conducted, taking into account productivity, output, labour costs, and international competitiveness. Some even went as far as calling Dr. Borg’s proposal “populist.”
Little do they realise that the study is inherent within the pilot project itself, and that calling for another study beyond such practical trials is unnecessary. They also fail to understand that such initiatives typically involve companies volunteering to participate, which naturally helps determine whether the approach is feasible across different business types. Dr. Borg never proposed a national trial, and presenting it as such is both hasty and misguided. In fact, the proposal clearly stated that the initial pilot project would take place in the public sector, and that when it extends to the private sector, participation would be voluntary and tailored to the specific needs of each company.
To understand how such a study is normally conducted, consider a practical example from the UK. Between June and December 2022, 66 companies with 2,900 workers participated in a pilot project. Rather than a national-level discussion, the study included a two-month preparation program for participants. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, each company designed its own four-day work week according to its specific needs. Ultimately, 56 of the 66 companies chose to maintain the system permanently. The remaining companies did not, underscoring that participation was voluntary, contrary to some claims. Clearly, there is no single system that fits all companies.
This demonstrates that a national socio-economic study, detached from the pilot project, makes little sense. Dr. Borg’s proposal is only the beginning of a process, yet the impatience of some and the opportunism of others seem to demand the full methodology be presented upfront. As an innovative politician, Dr. Borg is exploring ways to balance work and personal life, allowing people to live and care for their families. The notion of living solely to work is a bleak conception of human life. Moreover, this system could help reduce traffic on our streets, especially if paired with a rethink of how public transport operates.
Work-life balance lies at the heart of PN’s politics, which holds that the dignity of every human being must come first. Dismissing a proposal before it even begins is hardly a way to prioritize people over profit. It is high time that the Malta Chamber of Commerce also recognized its importance.
