Pelindo weighs four-day workweek pilot for Indonesia’s SOEs

Pelindo, an Indonesian state-owned port operator, is cautiously optimistic about the government’s pilot programme offering Fridays off to employees in state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

The programme, spearheaded by Erick Thohir, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, encourages SOEs to adopt compressed workweeks. Under this scheme, employees can achieve a 40-hour workweek by working longer hours during the remaining weekdays, allowing them to enjoy a longer weekend twice a month.

While the initiative aims to boost employee wellbeing and combat rising mental health concerns, Ihsanuddin Usman, CHRO of Pelindo, acknowledged the challenges it presents for round-the-clock operations like port management.

“Careful planning and consideration” are essential to ensure service continuity, Ihsanuddin told HRM Asia. He highlighted the need for a nuanced approach that addresses the programme’s potential impact on different employee groups.

He explained, “Offering Fridays off must ensure that all employees have equal access to this policy regardless of whether they are back-office employees or shift employees, reducing feelings of resentment or unfair treatment.”

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Pelindo is committed to conducting comprehensive studies on employee performance and equality practices before implementing the programme. These studies, Ihsanuddin added, will be crucial in determining the programme’s suitability for Pelindo’s specific work environment.

“Friday off is potentially to be the next big thing. It’s a revolution reshaping the future of work, but still, there is no single solution to fit all. Ultimately, it’s that kind of flexibility that employees can get behind,” he concluded.