10.09.2025 14:20
According to the Medium-Term Program, the implementation of a 4-day workweek will be piloted in 2026. Initially, the system will be tested in public institutions, and if successful, it will be expanded to the private sector as well. Examples from around the world show that while employee satisfaction increases, there is no significant loss in productivity.
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According to the regulation included in the Medium-Term Program (MTP), a four-day workweek plan will be implemented as a pilot application for the first time in 2026.
PILOT APPLICATION SIGNAL IN MTP
In the section regarding changes to working life in the MTP, it was stated that "a pilot application will be made for the adjustment of working days in line with increasing work-life balance and employee productivity." This statement was interpreted as an indication that the four-day workweek will be tested.
TO BE TESTED IN CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS IN THE FIRST STAGE
According to the planning, the application will be prepared by 2026 and will be tested in certain public institutions and organizations in the first stage. If the pilot application is successful, it is aimed to expand it to both the public and private sectors.
OBJECTIVE: PRODUCTIVITY AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE
The main objective of the program is stated as maintaining the work-life balance of employees, increasing work motivation, and preventing productivity loss.
EXAMPLES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
The short workweek model is becoming increasingly common worldwide.
- Poland: Transitioned to a working model of four days at 32 hours or five days at 35 hours starting from July 1, 2025.
- Iceland, Belgium, Spain, and Japan: Various short work models have been tested.
- Germany: In 2024, 45 companies switched to a four-day work system.
- United Kingdom: In a pilot application conducted in 2023, employee satisfaction increased while there was no significant drop in productivity.
COMPLEMENTARY PENSION SYSTEM (CPS) IS BEING IMPLEMENTED
On the other hand, one of the most notable items in the Medium-Term Program published in the Official Gazette is the Complementary Pension System (CPS). Unlike the currently active Individual Pension System (IPS), this regulation is based on mandatory savings for employees and foresees a 3% deduction from salaries each month, with the second quarter of 2026 marked for its implementation.
MANDATORY DEDUCTIONS FROM SALARIES
Under the prepared draft, the employer will also be required to contribute to the system in the same proportion as the deductions made from employees' salaries. After adding the two amounts together, a 30% state contribution will be included in the savings pool.
CPS WILL BE MANDATORY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES, 10-YEAR LOCK-IN PERIOD
The mentioned system will operate completely independently of the Social Security Institution (SSI). Employees will be required to remain in the system for at least 10 years to be able to use the accumulated premiums under the CPS. To retire through the CPS, the age requirement will be 58 for women and 60 for men.
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