Research and analysis on the social, economic and environmental implications for the Irish economy of reduced working time including a four-day work week

Tender description

[Topic Title: Identifying the social, economic and environmental implications of reduced working time Project Type: Desk Study Maximum Duration: 5 months Background The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment intend to seek proposals from the research community on the social, economic and environmental implications of reduced working time including a four-day work week. This research will contribute towards an evidence base against which any future related policy proposals can be evaluated. Rationale The COVID-19 pandemic, and its global impacts on employment levels and working patterns, have focused attention on the potential of flexible working hours and work-life balance in general. Internationally and domestically, proposals for reduced working hours, such as a four-day workweek have been proposed by a range of civil society actors as a viable model which could deliver social, economic and environmental benefits. The pandemic has demonstrated the significant adaptability of the Irish workforce and employers. However, while reduced working hours options, such as pilot programmes centred on a transition to a four-day work week, have been conducted by public authorities and private enterprises in several jurisdictions, the potential for and impacts of such a transition have not yet been considered in the specific context of the Irish economy. Nor has the impact of a four-day week relative been considered relative to other potential measures in the Irish labour market, e.g., longer statutory right to leave, more public holidays, a statutory right to choose to work flexitime/reduced hours. As such, any further policy development in this area will require an assessment of potential social, economic and environmental impacts. Objectives and Methodology The proposed research should aim to support such policy development by identifying, assessing and quantifying potential impacts, at a national lev