TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – FDC International Hotels Corporation became the first company in Taiwan’s tourism sector to introduce a four-day workweek, reports said Thursday (Sept. 5).
The chain announced its plans in late August before starting in September. One of its hotels, the Fleur de Chine Hotel Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, is giving its staff three days off per week for a trial period of six months, per the Liberty Times.
About 60% of staff in the hotel’s human resources, sales and marketing, and engineering departments already participate in the program. However, the busier restaurant and room management divisions have seen less than 20% of their staff take the three days off.
If personnel are unable to join the new program, they receive 10% to 20% extra on top of their monthly wage, according to FDC. The company said it had given its staff the flexibility to set their extra days off themselves, giving them the opportunity to make overseas trips.
FDC said the four-day workweek could give staff renewed energy on the job and lead to the recruitment of new talent. An evaluation after six months would determine whether or not to continue the program.
