Spain’s prime minister announced a plan this week to get rid of the traditional midday siesta and cut short the work day, NBC News reports.
The Spanish workday typically runs between 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and picks up again between 5:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m. The period between was originally intended as a “heat break” from the penetrating Iberian sun, but has evolved into an extended lunch break.
Speaking at a political conference last week, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said he wants to make sure the working day ends at 6:00 p.m., and wanted to bring Spain back into Greenwich Mean Time.
Productivity levels in Spain are lagging, trailing the French, who are renowned for their relaxed attitude to work, according to statistics.
