Perceptions of Portuguese healthcare professionals on the 4-day workweek: an exploratory cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37914/riis.v8i1.459Keywords:
health services administration, personnel management, health personnel, work scheduleAbstract
Background: the COVID-19 pandemic and burnout have worsened the human resources crisis in healthcare, leading professionals to exit the sector. The 4-day Workweek emerges as a potential solution to mitigate this problem, though there is little information on its application in healthcare. Objectives: to understand healthcare workers’ views on this initiative, assessing its impact on the sector’s functioning and professionals’ lives. Methodology: exploratory cross-sectional study with a voluntary and consented questionnaire and a convenience sample of 2004 healthcare workers. Analysis was conducted using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p<0.05). Results: the model is perceived as positive in reducing absenteeism, increasing productivity and job satisfaction. Expected benefits include better work quality and concentration, greater job stability and professional fulfilment. Despite challenges such as additional workload and multitasking, the model appears beneficial for retaining professionals and balancing personal and work life. Respondents expect more leisure time and reject negative impacts on family, health, and well-being. Options involving a 4-day workweek with salary cuts appear to be rejected. Given the methodological limitations, these results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: healthcare workers view this initiative positively and support its implementation, without wage reduction.
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