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Should You Get Yourself Used To Working Less?
Have you heard about the Swedish experiment of a 6-hour work day in an elderly care home in Gothenburg? It was carried out over a period of 2 years in order to check in what way would a shorter workday influence the carers’ personal life, performance, as well as labour market in the bigger picture. Employees of the nursing home had their working hours cut from 8 to 6 a day, while their salary remained the same.
What did the experimenters find out?
Obviously, the employees had significantly more time to devote to their families and other non-work-related activities. According to The Guardian, more social engagement was observed among these employees as well.
Increased productivity and more attention to the care work were also evident. A survey conducted among the home residents proved that the staff was perceived as happier and more energetic than before and, in general, took better care of the residents.
Doesn’t it all just sound like a dream that came true? Maybe a 6-hour workday can be the beginning of a whole new working culture?
Well, this is where one mundane detail comes into play, ready to destroy the idealistic idea of having found such a simple way to improve things. This detail is — well, you guessed it — money.
