Today, most peoplework five days a week and eight hours a day. However, have you ever wondered why this is so? What if I told you that there is evidence that a shorter workday could have significant benefits for the health, productivity and general well-being of workers?
The history of the current workday
Before the Industrial Revolution, most workers worked in agriculture and crafts, and their workday was dictated by the rhythm of nature. However, with the advent of factories, workers began to work long hours in inhumane conditions.
It was only after years of struggle that the workers managed to reduce their working hours. In 1817, Robert Owen, an industrialist and social reformer, proposed an 8-hour workday. However, the idea was ignored by most employers. It was only in 1914 that Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, adopted an 8-hour work day for his employees.
Since then, the 8-hour work day has become the norm in many countries, but some workers still work long hours, and many suffer the negative effects of work overload.
Countries that have tried short work hours
Although the 8-hour workday has become the norm in many countries, some countries have begun to experiment with the short workday. In Sweden, an experiment was carried out in which workers in a nursing home worked only six hours a day instead of eight, and the results were surprising. Workers reported that they were happier, less stressed, and more productive.
In New Zealand, the Perpetual Guardian company experimented with a four-day work shift and found that workers were happier, more engaged, and more productive. The company's founder, Andrew Barnes, even argued that reducing working hours could be the key to increasing the nation's productivity.
The world's largest pilot test was carried out in the United Kingdom involving 61 organisations. The study, carried out by the University of Cambridge, consisted of the implementation of a working day that was 20% less than usual without a decrease in wages, for a period of six months from June of 2022.
The test results showed a significant decrease in stress and illness rates among workers, with 71% of employees reporting less fatigue and 39% stating they were less stressed than at the start of the test.
Most companies maintained full-time productivity targets, and compared to the same period last year, there was a 65% reduction in sick leave and a 57% reduction in the number of employees who quit. In addition, company revenues barely changed during the test period, and even increased marginally by 1.4% on average.
These results were presented in a report to UK lawmakers, and around 92% of the companies that participated in the pilot (56 out of 61) intend to continue with the four-day working day, and 18 companies have confirmed that the change will be permanent.
Impact on the economy
One of the most common arguments against short working hours is that it would have a negative impact on the economy. However, there is evidence that the 4-day workday could have a positive impact on the economy.
First, a shorter work day could reduce absenteeism and employee turnover, potentially saving companies thousands of dollars in hiring and training costs. In addition, a short work day could reduce health care costs and improve the mental and physical health of workers, which could reduce sick leave costs.
Second, a shorter work day could increase productivity. Workers who work long hours can experience fatigue and a lack of motivation, which can affect their productivity. A shorter workday could allow workers to recover and return to work more focused and energized. In addition, a short work day could reduce stress and anxiety in workers, which could improve their cability to make decisions and solve problems.
Third, a shorter work day could boost the economy. If workers have more free time, they are more likely to spend their money on recreation and consumption, which could stimulate the local and national economy.
In short, there are many reasons why a short working day could be beneficial for workers, companies and the economy in general. While there is some resistance from some employers and politicians, it's important to consider the long-term benefits of a shorter workday.
What are the pros and cons of a short workday?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less fatigue and stress | Loss of work hours |
| Higher productivity | Possible salary reduction |
| Improvement in the health and well-being of employees | Increased workload on weekdays |
| Absenteeism reduction | Need for work reorganization |
| Increased job satisfaction | Impact on the economy and the labor market |
| Lower employee turnover | Possible resistance to change in the company |
| Better balance between work and personal life | Possible reduction of employment benefits |
| Carbon emissions reduction | Potential difficulty meeting deadlines |
It is important to note that the pros and cons may vary depending on the context and the specific implementation of the short working day. In addition, some of the cons can be mitigated or solved with good planning and communication between the company and the employees. In general, the implementation of a short working day can have a positive impact on the health, well-being and productivity of employees, but it can also require a process of adaptation and adjustment in the company and in the labor market in general.
How can a short working day be implemented?
Implementing a short work day is not easy and requires careful planning and an effective strategy. Here are some recommendations for implementing a short workday effectively:
Communication
It is important to clearly communicate the reason behind the implementation of a short working day and its benefits for workers and the company. It is important to involve workers in the decision-making process and listen to their comments and concerns.
Flexibility
The implementation of a short working day must be flexible and adapt to the needs of the company and the workers. The needs of the client must be considered and ensure that the quality of work is maintained.
careful planning
It is important to carefully plan the implementation of a short work day to ensure that workers are not overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do in a shorter period of time. Deadlines and delivery dates must be considered, and ensure that workers have sufficient time to complete their tasks.
Assessment
It is important to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the short working day to ensure that the desired objectives are being achieved. Feedback from workers should be collected and the feedback considered to make adjustments if necessary.
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