Malta Chamber Of SMEs Calls For Caution On 4 Day Work Week

Following recent discussions on a potential four-day working week, the Malta Chamber of SMEs has expressed caution, describing such proposals as premature.

This follows PN Leader Alex Borg proposing testing out a four day work week in a number of government departments.

The Chamber stressed that any consideration of reduced working hours should be based on thorough consultation and evidence-based studies involving all relevant stakeholders.

Despite recognising that employee wellbeing is a key element of sustainable business practices, the Chamber highlighted concerns about productivity, competitiveness, and the wider economic implications.

Representing small and medium enterprises, which make up over 99% of Malta’s economy, with 97% being micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, the Chamber said that a standard four-day, 32-hour week would reduce productive time by 20%.

For a typical business employing five staff, this would effectively equate to operating with just four employees.

Even a 40-hour, four-day week could affect productivity, operations, and increase costs across multiple sectors.

The Chamber called for constructive dialogue, free from political influence, and stressed the need for detailed studies to assess the impact on micro and small enterprises.

‘Any future introduction of a four-day week must be informed by research that considers Malta’s specific economic realities and productivity levels.’

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