In modern society, the concept of working eight hours a day, five days a week, has been the norm for decades. However, recent research in psychology and work science has shown that this traditional model may not be the most effective for worker productivity and well-being. In this article, we'll explore ten science-backed reasons that suggest working six hours a day instead of eight could be beneficial for employees and businesses.
1. Greater Productivity
One of the main arguments in favor of working six hours a day instead of eight is that greater productivity can be achieved in a shorter period of time. Studies have shown that humans have a limited ability to maintain concentration and performance on cognitively demanding tasks. By reducing the workday, fatigue is reduced and a more efficient approach to work is encouraged, resulting in greater productivity during those six hours of concentrated work.
2. Improving work-life balance
Working fewer hours per day allows employees to have more free time to dedicate to their personal interests, family and leisure activities. This contributes to a better quality of life and greater personal satisfaction, which in turn can have a positive impact on the mental and emotional health of individuals. A better work-life balance can also reduce stress levels and prevent burnout.
3. Stimulating creativity
Creativity and innovation have been shown to flourish in environments that encourage experimentation and the freedom to explore new ideas. By having more free time outside of work, employees can dedicate themselves to activities that stimulate their creativity, such as practicing hobbies, reading, or socializing with other people. This focus on personal development and diversification of interests can contribute to greater creativity in the workplace.
4. Less stress and burnout
Overwork and long working hours are factors that significantly contribute to work stress and physical and mental exhaustion. By reducing the workday to six hours a day, employees are given the opportunity to properly rest and recover, which can prevent burnout and promote health and well-being at work. Less stress also translates into a lower incidence of work-related physical and mental health problems.
5. Improved engagement and job satisfaction
Working in an environment that values work-life balance and promotes a culture of well-being can increase employee engagement and satisfaction with their work. . When people feel that their company cares about their well-being and provides them with opportunities to develop both professionally and personally, they tend to be more committed, motivated, and satisfied with their work tasks and responsibilities.
6 . Promoting individual responsibility and self-management
Working fewer hours a day requires greater individual responsibility and self-management in terms of time planning and task completion. By having shorter work hours, employees may be more aware of the importance of efficiency and organization in their day-to-day work. This greater level of autonomy and responsibility can encourage informed decision making and the development of self-management skills.
7. Greater diversity of skills and perspectives
With more free time outside of work, employees can engage in activities that allow them to acquire new skills and knowledge, or explore different areas of interest. This diversification of skills and perspectives can be beneficial for companies, as it promotes adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving from multiple points of view. Additionally, having employees with diverse interests can enrich organizational culture and foster collaboration and innovation.
8. Reducing work presenteeism
Extra time in the office does not always translate into greater productivity or work performance. In fact, workplace presenteeism—being physically at work but not fully engaged or productive—can be a common problem in work environments with long work hours. By promoting a work culture based on results and not on hours worked, you can reduce workplace presenteeism and encourage a more efficient approach to completing tasks and projects.
9. Promoting gender equality and workplace diversity
Reducing the working day to six hours a day can help promote gender equality and diversity in the workplace. Traditionally, family and domestic responsibilities have fallen disproportionately on women, which has hindered their equal participation in the labor market. By allowing a shorter workday, people of all genders are given the opportunity to balance their work responsibilities with their personal and family commitments, which can contribute to greater gender equity and diversity in the workplace.
10. Improving the work environment and organizational culture
Adopting a six-hour work day can have a positive impact on the work environment and organizational culture of a company. By promoting a healthy work-life balance for employees, a positive, collaborative and motivating work environment is fostered. Employees who feel valued, heard and supported tend to show greater loyalty to the company, which can influence talent retention and the organization's reputation in the labor market.
In summary , scientific research supports the idea that working six hours a day instead of eight can have multiple benefits for employees and companies. From increased productivity and creativity to better work-life balance and reduced stress, implementing shorter work hours can be an effective strategy for improving worker well-being and performance. As working practices evolve and work-life balance is prioritized, working fewer hours per day could become an increasingly common trend in the workplace of the future.