Arehucas – A Case in Point for a Four-Day Work Week in the Canary Islands
The case of Arehucas stands out in an archipelago where 559,569 salaried individuals work more than 37.5 hours a week, according to calculations by CCOO. Arehucas, the most renowned rum distillery in the Canary Islands, has implemented a four-day workweek, stating: “We are more motivated.”
Debate Intensifies on Reducing Weekly Working Hours
In recent months, the discussion around reducing the working week to 37.5 hours while maintaining the same salary has intensified. This proposal has faced ongoing criticism from employers, making it even harder to achieve a future of a 32-hour week with unchanged pay; the so-called four-day workweek that has demonstrated an improvement in worker well-being and productivity. As per CCOO, 559,569 salaried individuals in the Canary Islands work over 37.5 hours a week.
Local Government Engagement
On Monday, the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, met with UGT General Secretary Pepe Álvarez and expressed support for opening a debate in the Parliament on reducing the working week to 37.5 hours. However, his party voted in June alongside the PP and Vox against a PSOE motion in the Canary Parliament, which was supported by NC, to endorse a state bill for the maximum reduction of the working week to 37.5 hours, ensuring work hour registration and the right to disconnect.
Positive Outcomes of a Four-Day Workweek
A report by CCOO indicates that the Spanish government introduced a grant line in 2023 to finance pilot projects aimed at reducing working hours in small and medium-sized industrial enterprises. The Generalitat Valenciana has also independently started funding projects for a four-day work week, or 32 hours weekly, for all types of companies.
The document showcases positive impacts from this work schedule. For instance, 37.7% of workers reported undertaking more physical activity, 41.9% dedicated more time to studying, 35.5% prepared more homemade meals, 72.5% spent more time with friends, 57% participated in more leisure activities with children, 64% reported better sleep compared to a five-day workweek, and 34.9% experienced lower stress levels among many other findings.
“Hospitality has been one of the main beneficiaries, with 57.4% of respondents spending more time in bars and terraces,” it emphasises. The report suggests that sectors such as hospitality and other leisure activities could see significant job creation.
Overall, CCOO highlights a consensus that a four-day workweek reduces stress, leading to happier employees who experience fewer conflicts, a better work rhythm, and can complete the same amount of work as a normal week.
Health and Well-being Improvements
“What stands out is the enhanced work-life balance, health benefits, and an increase in cultural and leisure activities,” the report states.
CCOO also notes that the Ministry of Employment has taken heed of experiences from Europe, referencing a pilot project in the UK in 2022 that yielded excellent results. It allowed for a four-day workweek or 32 hours weekly, and it is known that 92% of the 61 participating companies chose to continue with the four-day structure after the pilot ended due to its positive impact, resulting in an average revenue increase of 35% and a 57% drop in employee turnover.
The Situation in the Canary Islands
CCOO points out that in the Canary Islands, at least 85% of the salaried population is contracted for workweeks exceeding 32 hours, indicating a significant portion of the workforce could benefit from such a measure. “If the government measure agreed upon with unions is approved, we would be talking about 559,569 salaried individuals working more than 37.5 hours weekly, essentially six out of ten salaried workers currently in the Canary Islands.”
Montse Cosano, Secretary of Employment and Migration at CCOO Canarias, highlights that “the companies that have implemented this pilot project have maintained it over time because it yielded very good results in terms of employee well-being and productivity for employers. It has been favourable for both work-life balance and personal leisure time for employees involved.”
“It is important because we have observed a decrease in work-related stress and physical and mental burdens. With a four-day work schedule, employees have time for leisure and sports,” Cosano adds. Moreover, “reducing work hours to 32 encourages individuals to continue growing professionally,” she emphasises, noting that “productivity is not tied to working hours but rather to the quality of work employees can deliver.”
“Currently, we have negotiated with the government a reduction of working hours to 37.5, which is yet to be approved. We believe that once it is, employers will truly see the benefits they can reap,” she concludes.
Lastly, unions have scant documentation concerning companies in the Canary Islands that are applying a four-day workweek. One notable exception is Arehucas, the historic rum distillery in northern Gran Canaria. The rum factory made this decision due to production halts during the pandemic, initially resulting in reduced salaries. However, they have since not only recovered wages but also improved them, maintaining this measure five years later, which has resulted in increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
