ET Online4 day work-week with 3 days rest? New labour code gives this format as an option to employers; Know its conditions for employees (AI generated representative image)
If she had to manage money today, could she?
Free Independent Women Workshop
The new labour code rules (Code on Wages (Central) Rules) which were notified in the weekend, say that the number of hours of work which shall constitute a normal working day for an employee whose wage period is other than on a daily basis shall be so fixed that the total number of weekly working hours shall not exceed 48 hours.
Income Tax Guide
Income Tax Union Budget FY 2026-27 LiveIncome Tax Slabs FY 2025-26Income Tax Calculator 2025
This means that employers, if so opted, can give their employees a four day work week option with three days rest. However, there are certain conditions involved which need to be mandatorily fulfilled for four days work-week.
Conditions for four day work-week with three days rest
Sajai Singh, Partner, JSA Advocates & Solicitors said to ET Wealth Online that this provision for four days work week under the new labour code rules (central) should not be considered a mandatory provision as it is merely an option, allowing employers flexibility.
According to Singh, employers may allow a four-day workweek, so long as certain conditions are met, namely:
- The employee should agree to the condensed workday and shorter workweek. The employer may not implement the same unilaterally.
- The workday typically becomes a 12-hour workday, in order to meet the mandatory 48-hour weekly limit.
- The 12-hour workday includes breaks and rests, as may be mandated by the State level laws.
- There are, therefore, three paid days off per week.
- Any work beyond the 12 hours / 4-day schedule, entitles employees to overtime pay at twice the regular wage rate.
Which sectors might be suitable for four day work week?
According to Singh, typically, knowledge-based industries (IT, ITES, GCCs, etc.) and other services industries (marketing, designing, etc.) are industries where a four-day work week may work.
Singh says: “Charitable organisations, and support functions could also consider this new work week.”
According to Singh, companies operating in areas like hospitals, healthcare, hospitality, retail, transportation, logistics, manufacturing, etc. would have a challenge in introducing a 4-day work week.
Singh says: “Many of these industries restrict the working day of employees exposed to certain working conditions and that cannot be changed to 12 hours a day, as it may have a harmful effect on the individual worker.”
aniltikotekar4sme.com 