Dominican Republic to trial four-day work week: Can it work globally?

In February, the Dominican Republic will become the first Caribbean nation to test a four-day work week, following similar trials in countries such as the United Kingdom.

The six-month pilot will be voluntary for companies and will not involve a pay cut for participating employees.

Growing calls for a shorter work week have stemmed from COVID-19-era discussions and anecdotes that long and in-person work hours do not necessarily guarantee higher productivity.

So what is the four-day work week trial in the Dominican Republic, and has it had success elsewhere?

Beginning in February, organisations in the Caribbean nation can choose whether to implement a six-month-long trial of a four-day work week.

In February, the Dominican Republic will become the first Caribbean nation to test a four-day work week, following similar trials in countries such as the United Kingdom.

The six-month pilot will be voluntary for companies and will not involve a pay cut for participating employees.

Growing calls for a shorter work week have stemmed from COVID-19-era discussions and anecdotes that long and in-person work hours do not necessarily guarantee higher productivity.

So what is the four-day work week trial in the Dominican Republic, and has it had success elsewhere?

Beginning in February, organisations in the Caribbean nation can choose whether to implement a six-month-long trial of a four-day work week.