The State Employment Service Against the Introduction of a Four-Day Workweek
The State Employment Service has officially denied the possibility of legislative implementation of a four-day workweek in Ukraine under martial law. Representatives of the agency emphasized that
to talk about Ukraine transitioning to a four-day workweek during war would be strange.
Increased Labor Norms During Wartime
Currently, increased labor norms are in effect in Ukraine during wartime. The maximum weekly working hours have been increased to 60 instead of the standard 40 hours. Holidays during war are classified as regular working days without double payment or additional time off compensation. Employers have the right to require employees to work on weekends without consulting trade unions.
According to the Labor Code, the standard duration of the workweek in Ukraine is 40 hours. Reductions in this time are only provided for minors, people with disabilities, or by individual agreements with employers. In critical infrastructure facilities under martial law, the workweek duration can reach 60 hours.
International Experience of Introducing a Four-Day Workweek
The employment service notes that in peaceful times, discussions about a shortened workweek will become possible. International experience shows positive results:
- Iceland
- Germany
- Belgium
- The United Kingdom
- Spain
- France
- Lithuania
- Japan
- The United Arab Emirates
In July 2025, Poland launched an experimental program by the Ministry of Labor that allows employers to offer alternative models of reduced working hours.
Analysis of international experience shows that a four-day workweek is most effective for:
- IT sector
- creative professions
- analytical professions
- result-based payment fields
So far, a four-day workweek in Ukraine is possible in the format of local agreements, - concluded at the State Employment Service.
Representatives of the State Employment Service denied the possibility of introducing a four-day workweek in Ukraine during martial law and emphasized the enhancement of labor norms during this period. Despite this, in peaceful times, the discussion of a shortened workweek may become relevant considering the positive international experience.