The debates surrounding work, time, and productivity are far from new. Discussions in parliaments frequently enough echo past arguments about the optimal balance between work and life. Recently, the focus has been on flexible application of labor laws to meet both industry needs and promote economic development.

The push for reduced working hours, while generally viewed positively, is frequently enough balanced against the need for economic growth. In Germany,such as,there are discussions about increasing working hours or removing a day off per year.

The Pillars of Labor: Social Consultation and Economic Growth

Social consultation remains crucial, rooted in the interaction between business leaders and labor unions. The “eight-hour day” echoes across time, its legacy found in modern discussions about productivity.

The meaning of productivity gains has always been recognized. The introduction of machine tools facilitated increased production, allowing for reduced working hours without harming output. This victory for the working class, however, was not without its challenges.

Ancient Context: The Rise of the Eight-Hour Day

The legal framework for flexibility was established long ago. In 1921, laws permitted adjustments to the standard workday. This set a precedent for contemporary practices like the four-day workweek.

The evolution of the eight-hour workday is part of a broader international movement. Victory for the social movement was a long time coming. Initially, many sectors had already established the eight-hour workday before it became law.

It is essential to note the role of human capital in the development of labor. The law of 3 x 8 hours, a reference to the eight-hour work day, is an international movement.

As the law took effect, it was not always perfectly followed by all employers.The management of extra hours was used to facilitate the application of the eight-hour law.

The law of 3 x 8 hours is part of a large international movement. French delegates had registered the question of eight hours in the Treaty of versailles!

The question that remains is what people do with the other 16 hours?

The Vision of Time: Work, Leisure, and the future

The vision of the second international celebrating the first international labor day by major demonstrations in favor of the eight-hour working day. the 8-8-8 was an objective that struck the imagination: eight hours of work, eight hours of relaxation and eight hours of rest.

The economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that just three hours of work per day would satisfy human needs. His vision included more time for arts, philosophy, sports, and engagement with the world.

Did You Know?

The average work time has dropped by 550 hours per year since 1960, highlighting the ongoing shift in work-life balance.

Time is a unique value. From a series devoted to “time in all its states”, this article offers an overview on the work week.

Pro Tip:

Consider the impact of work on all aspects of your life, including leisure and care.

The Impact of the Eight-Hour Workday

The eight-hour workday has evolved. It takes time to adjust to these laws.

The work crosses our lives far beyond the employment we hold.

In 1921, the eight-hour working day law was passed.

The average life expectancy of a Belgian is 4000 weeks.

The work week used to be six days.

The introduction of machine tools facilitated increased production.

The poster reproduced below represents the work by muscular men pulling a heavy load (which one does not see), the leisure by a mother holding in his arms a baby and the man exercising on the guitar (hello gendered representations …) and rest by a person sleeping alone in a bed.

In the union imagination, it is very clear.

We will soon come to Belgium can be bet.

Already in 1921, the law provides for the possibility of negotiating developments to the general rule.

The third time, the space remaining to flourish.

Let us not forget that some workers are accused,not always without reason,of not having enough clothes.

The economist Philippe Defeyt wanted to pass the concept in a sifting for readers of “La Libre”.

Underantly victory of the social movement, it will be recalled that belgian law comes – this is often the case – consolidate what had already been acquired in many sectors.

Keynes’ utopia was indeed to see its fellow citizens – a vision certainly somewhat aristocratic, worthy of an eminent member of the intellectual and artistic group known as Bloomsbury – devoting oneself to the arts (poetry, music, painting…), philosophy, sports activities, finding of others and the world, etc.

Victory, of course, but it will still take time for this law to be followed perfectly by all employers.

We spend most of our life running after him.

Social consultation is a pillar of the Belgian system.