The Six-Day Workweek: Lessons from the Past for the Future of Working Hours

Once Upon a Time, There Was a Six-Day Workweek

In recent years, there has been increasing discussion about reducing working hours, particularly the introduction of a four-day workweek, which has been tested by several countries and companies. Experiences have been mixed: supporters and opponents both have substantial evidence to back their claims, making it difficult to draw a final conclusion. Therefore, rather than focusing on statistics, we turn our attention to the past, as changes in working hours in Hungary provide valuable lessons for the future.

Facts and Figures from the Past

Not everyone knows that the current five-day workweek only became standard in Hungary in 1981. Before that, a six-day workweek was the norm, with Sunday being the only official day off. The gradual reduction in working hours began between 1967 and 1975, eventually reaching the present 40-hour workweek by 1984. Interestingly, during the initial implementation, workers had to stay longer at their workplaces in exchange for the introduction of a free Saturday to compensate for the lost working time.

Feelings and Opinions About the Transition

The Saturday workday, especially before the transition, was not efficient. White-collar workers often found themselves with little to do, while blue-collar workers had already completed their weekly quotas by the first five days. As a result, Saturdays often became a “pretend work” day, with productivity dramatically decreasing. After the change, the introduction of the free Saturday brought significant relief to many workers, particularly those commuting from rural areas. Weekends gained new meaning, offering more time for rest and family life.

Lessons for the Current Debates on Reducing Working Hours

Based on past experiences, it is clear that reducing working hours was a positive event for workers, but it is important to approach the change gradually. Today, as the four-day workweek increasingly enters the agenda, lessons from the past can help ensure we don’t repeat the same mistakes. It might be worth considering a gradual introduction, such as designating every other Friday as a day off. Additionally, it is important for companies to have the flexibility to decide how to implement work hour reductions, taking into account employee needs and productivity.