The 4.2% decrease in hours worked means that, to maintain the same level of activity, companies will have to increase their workforce or pay more overtime. In a sector like the hospitality industry, which is highly labor-intensive and has a very significant weight of labor costs in the income statement, this increase can destabilize the profitability of businesses.
Furthermore, it must be taken into account that the margin for adaptation is limited. Reducing opening hours to save hours can conflict with customer habits, especially in a country where being able to go for lunch or dinner at flexible hours is valued. It is also not easy to pass on the increase in costs to the final price: in a context of inflation and economic uncertainty, many establishments prefer to maintain prices so as not to lose customers.
Faced with this scenario, the key will be how the reduction is implemented and in what space the conditions are negotiated. It will be essential that this change is discussed and agreed within collective bargaining, where companies and workers can jointly assess how to adapt without harming either party.
This is where tools like timenet become essential. Our time registration and project management system allows great flexibility and versatility, two essential qualities to face this new stage. timenet allows you to manage shifts, control the actual hours worked and quickly adapt planning to the new needs of the business.
With clear reports, access from any device and simple management of overtime, absences and calendars, timenet helps companies make informed decisions and maintain control, even in changing contexts like this.