Eyewear company EssiLux is testing a four-day week in Italy

The world’s largest luxury eyewear manufacturer, EssilorLuxottica (EssiLux), is trialling a four-day week at its factories in Italy. The Franco-Italian company signed a similar agreement with the unions, the two sides announced today.

For 20 weeks a year, you can voluntarily work only from Monday to Thursday – but each day is a little longer than usual. From Friday to Sunday it is free for this purpose. The five-day week continues for the rest of the year. Salaries and total weekly hours worked remain unchanged.

Participation is on a voluntary basis

Participation in the probationary phase, initially scheduled to last three years, will be on a voluntary basis. About 20,000 employees are expected to participate in the various Italian branches. The new model aims to make jobs more attractive.

The group was created in 2017 through the merger of Italian eyewear manufacturer Luxottica and French eyeglass lens manufacturer Essilor. Among the most famous brands manufactured there are Ray-Ban, Armani, Chanel, Prada, and Persol.