Lamborghini has secured an agreement with unions to implement a four-day workweek for its production staff. This move reflects a broader trend among manufacturing companies re-evaluating their employees’ workweek structure.
The FIOM and FIM unions, affiliated with the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), called this deal “historic.”
This is the first time in the European automotive industry that a substantial reduction in working hours has been achieved without wage cuts. Instead, it has actually led to increased pay for workers.
Lamborghini is changing its work schedule to boost employee well-being and save money, following a trend seen in many companies and offices after the COVID-19 pandemic. Other European countries, such as Britain, have tried a four-day workweek and found it led to increased productivity, better job retention and recruitment, and lower sickness rates.
The idea behind this negotiation is to work fewer hours but with greater efficiency. It’s a principle that forms part of a broader thought process, as mentioned by FIOM and FIM-CISL.
Workers on a rotating two-shift schedule will switch between a five-day and a four-day workweek, reducing their annual work days by 22, according to the union.
The four-day workweek is gaining a lot of popularity globally. Many companies have observed higher productivity as employees become more focused during their shorter workweek, contributing to a positive work environment.
The reduced work days help prevent burnout, promoting better mental and physical well-being. Additionally, a shorter workweek aligns with environmental sustainability by cutting commuting and energy consumption.