The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia has proposed a reduction in working hours, which could significantly reshape the country’s labor dynamics.
The government suggests decreasing the daily working hours from 8 to 7 and the weekly hours from 40 to 35, while maintaining the current level of wages. A corresponding draft law has already been published on the official legal acts website.
The initiative is based on a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements over recent decades. Ministry experts emphasize that the 8-hour workday model, introduced in the mid-19th century, has become outdated amid widespread automation of production processes.
Officials believe that reducing working hours will enhance productivity and improve workers' quality of life. The experiences of European countries such as France, Germany, and Sweden, which have already implemented flexible work schedules, serve as strong evidence of the effectiveness of such reforms.
The draft law aims not only to optimize work schedules but also to create additional jobs in both the public and private sectors, which is particularly relevant in today’s economic conditions.
