Goals of workweek reduction largely met, says BSRB chair

The objectives behind shortening the workweek have been largely achieved, and there is no need for government reconsideration, according to Sonja Ýr Þorbergsdóttir, chair of BSRB (the Icelandic Federation of Labour). This statement comes in response to a recent assessment by the Confederation of Icelandic Employers (Viðskiptaráð) which suggested the workweek reduction had not met its intended outcomes and required revision. The Confederation's assessment indicated a drop in average weekly work hours from 39.5 to 35.9, estimating a loss of 223 billion Icelandic krónur in GDP in 2025, even accounting for lower productivity from reduced hours. Þorbergsdóttir countered that productivity measurements in the public sector differ significantly from the private sector. She explained that public service jobs primarily focus on providing services, and the main goal is service quality. She noted that clear measurements for this are not consistently applied in Iceland, and academics have debated the best methods, often focusing on evaluating service quality itself. Regarding work hours, Þorbergsdóttir clarified that collective agreements allow for a reduction to 36 hours for day workers and down to 32 for shift workers. The implementation depends on workplace organization, and she acknowledged that some employees are not receiving this reduction. BSRB is working to ensure all workers receive their contracted shorter hours, believing it leads to better service and improved workplace well-being, ultimately boosting productivity. She emphasized that most institutions have implemented this well, resulting in satisfied staff. Responding to the Confederation's claim of service reductions, with over half of state institutions shortening operating hours by an average of 17% since 2019, Þorbergsdóttir argued that shorter hours do not automatically equate to reduced service. Many public institutions have adopted technological solutions, allowing customers to access services remotely, thereby improving accessibility. Service evaluations have also led to adjusted opening hours based on customer needs. She concluded that the workweek reduction was an experimental project that should not be unilaterally reviewed by the government.

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Our eyes are still on the task of ensuring that everyone receives this contracted reduction in hours, and likewise, because it ensures better service and better well-being in the workplace and consequently increased productivity and all those goals that were supposed to be achieved, is that this conversation takes place between staff and management about how to change the work arrangements to make it win-win, as we have called it, mutual benefit. But the majority of institutions have done this very well and have succeeded and the staff are satisfied.