The topic of regulating working hours and weekly holidays is central, affecting productivity, social welfare, and the national economy in any country pursuing modernization and development.
In the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, there has been a serious and ongoing debate about the possibility of applying a three-day weekend system for public sector employees, a step that could cause fundamental shifts in the work environment and daily life. Examining this proposal is not limited to the administrative aspect but extends to include economic, social, and environmental dimensions, particularly regarding the financial benefits that can be directly reaped from this organizational change.
Transitioning to a four-day workweek in exchange for three days off is a global trend adopted by many advanced countries to redefine the relationship between work and personal life. The philosophy behind this shift is based on the principle that increasing rest periods does not necessarily lead to a decrease in outputs but may improve the quality of work completed. For the Jordanian public sector, where some departments are characterized by procedural rigidity and slow interaction, an extended holiday could serve as a significant psychological and administrative catalyst.
The positive aspects of this decision are evident in several key areas. Firstly, enhancing the employee's welfare level. Providing an additional day off allows the employee ample time for family commitments, health follow-ups, recreational activities, or self-development. An employee with sufficient rest is less susceptible to exhaustion and job burnout, which positively reflects on their mental presence and focus during the remaining four workdays. International studies, such as those conducted in Iceland and the United Kingdom, indicate that intense focus during specified working hours leads to higher productivity compared to long periods spread over five days.
Secondly, enhancing productivity and efficiency. When employees know they are required to complete the same volume of tasks in less time, they naturally tend to prioritize and organize their time more effectively. This positive pressure motivates the adoption of leaner work procedures and the use of technology to reduce unnecessary routine tasks. In the Jordanian context, this decision could accelerate the digital transformation process in the government, a strategic goal pursued by the kingdom.
Thirdly, the environmental impact. Reducing the number of workdays necessarily means fewer daily commutes for employees to work locations. This decline in traffic and vehicle movement translates directly into savings in fuel consumption and a reduction in carbon emissions. Jordan, which faces environmental challenges and limited energy resources, could significantly benefit from this reduction in the daily carbon footprint of the vast government sector.
Regarding financial aspects and savings, this decision offers both indirect and direct savings to the government. The direct savings primarily come from reduced operational expenses for government buildings on the additional holiday day. This includes significant savings in the electricity needed to operate air conditioning, lighting, and office equipment across all ministries and public institutions throughout the kingdom. Given the high energy costs in Jordan, closing these facilities for an entire additional day weekly could save millions of dinars annually. For example, if we assume an average daily consumption for a group of large government buildings, the energy savings for an additional 52 days per year could cover a significant part of the IT maintenance or development budget.
Additionally, there are savings related to the periodic maintenance of facilities. Reducing building usage by an additional day extends the life of devices and equipment, reducing the need for emergency maintenance or early replacement. This saving directly benefits the state's general budget.
Indirectly, this decision contributes to stimulating the local economy through increased recreational spending. An employee with three consecutive days off will spend more time in recreational activities, short domestic travels, and services that require long hours such as visiting tourist attractions or spending time in restaurants and markets. This shift in consumption patterns injects additional liquidity into the internal tourism and services sectors, supporting general economic growth. Additionally, saving time for employees means reducing unplanned absences due to urgent personal commitments, improving the efficiency of wage expenditure.
Certainly, implementing this system faces challenges that require careful handling, especially in sectors that require service continuity such as health, security, and education. Success in implementing the three-day weekend requires designing smart shift schedules to ensure continuous coverage for the public, leveraging flexible work systems for some jobs. Continuous evaluation of the impact on services provided to citizens is essential to ensure that financial savings or increased welfare do not lead to a deterioration in the quality of public service.
In conclusion, adopting a three-day weekend system for public sector employees in Jordan represents a bold step towards a more sustainable and humane future of work. The benefits extend beyond simply improving the quality of life for employees to include tangible financial savings for the government through reduced operational expenses and energy consumption, and support for local economic activity. If planned carefully and with effective coverage mechanisms determined, this system can be a leading model proving that economic development does not conflict with human welfare but is closely linked to it.
