Go Back

Add to favorites:
Share:

Working time reduction: barriers, challenges, benefits, and policy implications

This Horizon Europe call examines the economic, social, and environmental impacts of reducing working hours without a corresponding pay reduction. The research aims to provide stakeholders—policymakers, employers, trade unions, and researchers—with evidence-based insights into the feasibility, enablers, and barriers of implementing reduced working hours across diverse sectors. The outcomes should address societal inequalities, workforce inclusion, and environmental sustainability while promoting a balanced work-life dynamic.

Opening: 15 May 2025
Deadline(s): 16 Sep 2025

Data provided by Sciencebusiness.net

This funding opportunity represents a pre-agreed draft that has not yet been officially approved by the European Commission. The final, approved version is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2025. This draft is provided for informational purposes and may be used to preliminarily form consortia and develop project ideas, but it is offered without any guarantees or warranties.

Expected Outcome

  • Policy insights: Deepened understanding for policymakers and stakeholders of the implications of working time reduction.
  • Implementation strategies: Recommendations for enablers and barriers to successful adoption across sectors.
  • Workforce inclusion: Improved knowledge of how reduced working time can support labor market participation for women, the elderly, and other underrepresented groups.
  • Macroeconomic impact: Guidance on implementing working time reductions while fostering positive macroeconomic outcomes.

Scope

  • Assess impacts of working time reduction across economic, social, and environmental dimensions:
    • Social impacts: Well-being, health, stress, work-life balance, gendered employment outcomes, labor market inclusion.
    • Economic impacts: Productivity, hiring and retention, economic growth, firm costs, and innovation.
    • Environmental impacts: Energy savings, emission reduction, consumption patterns, and sustainable lifestyles.
  • Identify enablers and barriers to successful implementation at both employer and employee levels.
  • Evaluate the gender perspective and the potential to include underrepresented groups in the workforce.
  • Explore the implications of working time reduction for inequality and societal fairness.
  • Employ diverse research methods, such as quantitative analysis and behavioral experiments.

Leave a Review

Select a rating