At a Nuremberg craft business, the employees are paid 40 hours – but only have to work 36 hours. What is behind it and how the day off is received.
Work four days, get paid five days. What sounds like a dream has been reality for the employees of a Fürth craft business since February. Since then, the 36-hour week has been in effect at “Fensterbau Scheiderer” in Fürth near Nuremberg. “We do that because we had major personnel problems,” says managing director Jürgen Ringler of “Bild”.
Like almost all industries, Ringler has difficulties finding or keeping staff. Hence the idea for reduced working hours. In fact, four new employees then contacted Ringler. For example window manufacturer Markus Bayer. The 38-year-old says: “I used to work five days a week. With this hard work, an extra day of rest is worth a lot. Also, I finally have more time for my children again. When I’ve done everything at home on Friday, I can take them out on Saturdays.”
Not only the employees are happy, the company boss also draws a positive conclusion – because the measure has good side effects. “Employees work faster and take fewer breaks. There is also more team spirit because everything has to get done.”