Imagine a world where productivity thrives, yet the workweek is shorter. The concept may seem paradoxical, but compelling arguments exist for this shift. Let's delve into the case for a shorter workweek, exploring its potential benefits and challenges.
The argument for a shorter workweek
Proponents argue that a reduced-hours working model can help address many current work negatives, making employees more productive, healthier, and happier
- Evidence suggests that one of the biggest advantages of working fewer weekly hours is that it makes people better workers
- Employees on reduced hours will work more efficiently to fit necessary tasks into the available time, rather than putting in longer, potentially less useful, hours
The Results
At offices participating in the trial, workers’ self-reported wellbeing and work-life balance levels either stayed the same or improved. Stress went down, and workers reported having more time and energy to devote to hobbies, exercise, errands and friends.
- The mental health knock-on effects of a four-day workweek help the firm’s bottom line, too.
Exercise caution and thoughtfulness when implementing these models of work
now could be the time to try
- We’ve basically come to an inflection point as a society that allows us to do this
- People’s minds are more open, and we’re already in upheaval and change
