A new law will come into force in Slovenia on 1 January 2026, bringing major changes to the labour market, including reduced working hours, Fridays off, increased unemployment benefits and better conditions for students and pensioners.
According to the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, workers over 58 years of age or those with at least 35 years of work experience will be able to choose between reduced working hours of six hours a day or an extended weekend, or Fridays off.
This initiative is part of a wider “80-90-100” model: 80% working hours, 90% salary and 100% contributions. Similar models have already been successfully implemented in Iceland, Ireland and Germany, and pilot projects in the technology sector in Slovenia have also shown positive results – higher productivity and fewer absenteeism.
If the results prove to be as expected, the Slovenian government plans additional changes by the end of 2028, including a 38-hour workweek, a Saturday work allowance and a mandatory Christmas bonus for all employees.
The new law also provides for an increase in unemployment benefits. During the first three months after losing their job, the unemployed will receive up to 130% of the average gross minimum wage (more than 1,660 euros), and then the benefits will gradually decrease – to 110%, 100% and 70%.
Pupils, students and participants in public works will also benefit – higher minimum hourly wages and better working conditions, while employers will receive incentives of up to 40% of net wages for hiring people over 59. The monthly work limit for pensioners is being increased from 60 to 85 hours.
Despite the benefits, the Ministry of Finance has expressed concerns about the potential burden on the state budget. The estimated cost is over 40 million euros, so the bylaws will be introduced gradually, depending on political stability and the duration of the government of Prime Minister Robert Golob.
The adoption of the law has been accelerated due to the deadlines for withdrawing 140 million euros from European funds, Nova reports.
