Unraveling the mystery of optimal work hours, we delve into the science of productivity and well-being. We question the traditional 40-hour workweek, exploring alternatives that could redefine our understanding of a balanced professional life.
How many hours do you work a week?
Nearly a century ago, John Keynes predicted his grandchildren’s generation (our current one) would only work 15 hours a week. Today, reports say American workers average 47 work hours in a week-one of the highest in the world.
- Part of this is cultural (we celebrate being busy). Some of it is economical (we worry about losing our jobs in the current economic climate).
- Technology has made us “always on”.
Shorter working hours aren’t necessarily the answer
Researchers are exploring the idea of shorter working hours, and a study in Sweden showed promising results in both worker happiness and health, as well as productivity.
- However, the costs of hiring more employees to cover the missing hours makes this approach somewhat prohibitive.
Flexible hours could be the solution (If you use them in the right way)
Stop thinking about how many hours you should work and instead, focus on “which” hours
- Research has shown that employees with options for flexible working arrangements show greater job satisfaction and commitment to their companies
- It’s important to question how many work hours in a month you should put in
Working more than 40 hours a week? It won’t help you get ahead
The more work you do, the more people need you and the more important you are
- Studies have shown that working more hours increases your productivity only to a point
- Everything you put in after that point results in smaller and smaller output
- Longer hours mean more effort with less result
The Substitution Effect
More money makes us more likely to work more
- When you make more, you view your time at work as worth more than someone with a lower salary
- RescueTime gives you an accurate picture of when you’re working, for how long, and on what so you can build a flexible schedule that works for you
