FDC International Hotels Corp yesterday announced that this month, it became the first company in Taiwan’s hospitality industry to implement a four-day workweek on a trial basis.
The hotel and restaurant operator said in a news release that it began a trial run of the new system at the Fleur de Chine Hotel near Sun Moon Lake on Sunday. Workers would get three days off a week and the trial is to last six months.
The four-day workweek policy would not impact the quality of the service customers receive, the FDC said, adding that it would continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of the new system.
Photo courtesy of Fleur de Chine Hotel via CNA
The company said that it might expand the system to its other hotels and implement it for longer periods if the results are positive.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed a remarkable shift in work patterns and workplace culture, with many employees prioritizing work-life balance.
In response to the trend, FDC said it decided to take the lead in promoting the policy of three days off per week, the statement said.
FDC chairman Sheng Chih-jen (盛治仁) said in the statement that he believes having three days off every week can improve employees’ job satisfaction and enhance overall work efficiency and creativity.
The FDC Sun Moon Lake Hotel has adjusted work schedules for employees in several departments.
Staff that do not join the new program would receive overtime pay, the company said.
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