Short week, 8 out of 10 Italians want it: here's why
The benefits relate to family management, care of the elderly and personal well-being. More than 7 out of 10 respondents believe they have all the devices they need to do their work from home
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Key points
3' min read
Smart working and short working weeks are increasingly perceived as useful tools for improving quality of life, with benefits for family management, care of the elderly and health. This is highlighted by a survey conducted by NielsenIQ and commissioned by Pulsee Luce e Gas. The survey offers insights into the social impact of the short week (four working days per week), desired by 80% of respondents. About half of the sample (48%) say they have children. In most cases (66%) they are managed independently or with the help of grandparents (24%), only 11% rely on external figures such as baby-sitters or other professionals, with an average monthly expenditure of €115. Three out of four respondents believe that the short week can generate benefits, giving them the possibility to manage their children more independently.
Opportunity to care for elderly family members with greater independence
On the other hand, as regards caring for elderly or disabled family members, 35% of Italians say they take care of them themselves, compared to 65% who resort to external help. In particular, those who receive support rely on other family members (42%), while 34% turn to carers, retirement homes or other forms of support, spending around EUR 540 per month. For 85% of the 'caregiver' respondents, the short week offers the opportunity to care for their family members with greater autonomy.
More time for personal well-being
.For domestic care, only 13% of the sample stated that they had to turn to professionals, spending, on average, 107 Euro per month. Here again, the short week is perceived as a valuable support, as 80% of the respondents stated. Having an extra day off would also allow more time for personal well-being, especially for physical activity (62%), but also for trips and travel (54%).
The compromises you are willing to make
.The desire to adopt the short week involves 4 out of 5 respondents, with 50% describing themselves as 'very interested'. In order to obtain this benefit, the compromises that workers are most likely to accept are greater flexibility on working hours during the working week (52%), increased productivity during the working days (47%) and fewer breaks (45%). Only 10% would be willing to accept a slight reduction in salary.
Benefits and Criticalities
.The short week is viewed positively as a way to increase work-life balance (72% of the sample), personal satisfaction (63%) and quality time to spend with family and friends. Critical aspects, on the other hand, include the increased workload during the working days (51%), the increased pressure and stress associated with achieving objectives (37%) and coordination problems (27%).
