Greenland to explore reducing standard workweek

Greenland’s parliament will examine the potential effects of shortening the standard workweek from 40 to 35 or 37 hours, following a proposal backed by both the government and a majority of lawmakers, DR reports.

The initiative, put forward by Karen Marie Kyed Frederiksen of the Demokraatit party, argues that a shorter workweek could improve quality of life, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. A government-commissioned study, expected by the end of 2027, will assess the economic, sectoral, and gender equality impacts of such a change.

Some 230 public employees in Greenland already transitioned to a 37-hour workweek in February under an agreement aligning their terms with those of Danish civil servants. Jess G. Berthelsen, chair of Greenland’s largest union, SIK, confirmed that upcoming negotiations for other public-sector workers—including police, court staff, and the High Commissioner’s office—will also consider reducing hours, provided wages remain unchanged.

However, economic concerns loom large. Elna Heilmann, head of the teachers’ union IMAK, called the proposal “unrealistic” given Greenland’s financial strain. A January report by Denmark’s National Bank projected a 2025 budget deficit of up to 400 million kroner, compounded by a shrinking, aging population. Torben M. Andersen, chair of Greenland’s Economic Council, warned that a shorter workweek with full pay compensation would reduce public revenue while increasing costs, as maintaining services would require hiring more staff—amid an existing shortage of skilled labor.

Andersen cautioned that the reform might not deliver expected benefits like reduced sick leave or higher productivity. “There are many variables here,” he said, noting potential risks of overburdening existing workers if hiring proves difficult.

Greenland and the Faroe Islands remain the only parts of the Danish Realm with a 40-hour standard workweek. A previous Faroese push to cut hours stalled, with the current government now merely “open to negotiations” with unions.