It was interesting to read all the announcements of holiday schedules in the newspaper these days. With both Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on Sunday, businesses that normally don’t operate in the weekend chose to close only on – also an official holiday – Monday, December 26 (Boxing Day) although several will do so on Monday, January 2 too.
Others decided to open half days on Friday, December 23, and/or Friday, December 30. Civil servants are off two Fridays as well as Mondays.
Several offices in both the private and public sectors even shut their doors from before Christmas to after New Year’s, some of which are either government-owned or subsidised. While that is normal in education and construction, it seems to have become common practice for an increasing part of society.
At the risk of being called a grinch, the question can justifiably be asked whether this is a desirable development in terms of productivity especially at a time of continued and still fragile socioeconomic recovery. Certainly, as a tourism destination, providing service to not only residents but many visitors present during the festive season remains very important.
Hospitality is about more than heads in beds and diners in restaurants, as guests may need a variety of different products and/or services including from government and related entities. Putting the customer first should not stop unreasonably long for celebrations.
Concern about employees not getting enough rest and time with the family were adequately addressed in existing labour laws. Extra pay is required for working holidays on a strictly voluntary basis.
Besides, Christmas and New Year’s Day are mandatory shop closure days, so that most people who might normally have to work are at least off both these Sundays. Under the current circumstances, isn’t closing for over a week a bit much?
You be the judge.
