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Numerous studies sought to determine whether output would fall as a result of everyone working from home during the pandemic in 2020 (about four years ago, for individuals among us who still find it hard to believe). There was no need for studies to prove the obvious: people were more productive when they could work from the comfort of their own homes. After all, CEOs would be aware that they could greatly enhance productivity if they didn’t have to spend two hours each way to and from work every day irritated by other people.
But in the end, all this chatter brought focus to earlier research: how cutting back on working hours or days might improve productivity, pleasure, and profit for businesses. Everyone whose pay is more than they can fathom was taken aback by this, but because not everyone is aware of it, I figured I’d do my part to spread the word.
What individuals desire
No one has ever been truly satisfied with a standard 9 to 5. A recent study found that 87% of workers would prefer a 4-day work week, and 82% of those same individuals think it would be successful. This has been the case ever since the industrial revolution, albeit if you’re not a suit, you’d know better. For those who do not own their own businesses, working is not and never has been a person’s first priority. Eight hours of sleep, regular exercise, nutritious, non-fast food, and personal time to relax and enjoy life are essential for humans. With an 8-hour workday, a half-hour or more spent commuting, plus additional hours worked, sometimes unpaid and from home, that little spare time is quickly eaten up.
After devoting more than half of one’s life to this, everyone is sick of working 40 hours a week. Everyone there thinks their work is pointless compared to their lives. There are whole subreddits and YouTube channels devoted solely to people griping about how terrible things are and suggesting solutions. Streaming, YouTube, starting their own businesses, or anything else that could bring them more satisfaction is tempting people to abandon their employment.
Fortunately, there is a solution that can provide joy to all.
Spend less time and earn more
The effects of fewer workdays on individuals and businesses have been “unearthed” by the discussion about working from home, as I said at the outset of this piece. One in particular, held in Iceland from 2015 to 2019, was singled out. Feel free to download the PDF:
Productivity remained unchanged, if not improved, according to the study’s straightforward conclusion. Due to its overwhelming success, two other countries—Spain and New Zealand—have also opted to have their own. Lamborghini, Intesa Sanpaolo, and EssilorLuxottica are just a few of the large private enterprises that have lately made the move and are reaping the same benefits: happier staff, fewer sick days, increased productivity, and profit.
Those who are despairing should take heart: a glimmer of hope is on the horizon. The results of these studies and experiments may suggest that shorter work commutes will become the norm in the next decade or two, giving you more time and the same salary to put into what really matters: yourself.
