Some people argue that employees should have a shorter working week and longer holidays. However, I firmly disagree with this view because it can negatively affect companies’ revenue and create serious problems in workplace management.
Firstly, giving employees a shorter working week can significantly reduce company revenue. If governments introduce regulations that limit working days, companies will have fewer opportunities to operate and generate income. This situation is particularly harmful for businesses that rely on daily productivity, such as manufacturing and service industries. For example, in Indonesia, some companies have complained about frequent long weekends because reduced working hours lower overall output. As a result, businesses may struggle to maintain stable revenue, making it difficult to pay employees’ salaries and cover operational costs.
Secondly, a shorter working week can cause management difficulties, especially in meeting deadlines. In the past, employees could work overtime when workloads increased. However, with fewer working days, companies may be forced to hire additional or temporary workers to complete urgent tasks. This not only increases recruitment and training costs but can also reduce work efficiency. For instance, a private company in Salatiga often hires freelancers to meet tight deadlines instead of employing full-time staff.
Although freelancers are more flexible, this approach can disrupt teamwork and lower the quality of work. In conclusion, while longer holidays may help employees rest and reduce stress, a shorter working week can create serious challenges for companies. Reduced revenue and increased management costs make this policy impractical for many businesses, particularly in developing countries.