Have you heard about the new labor laws in France? They’ve restricted when employees can receive and respond to work-related emails, aiming to provide more genuine leisure time for most workers. And then there’s the six-hour workdays in Sweden. For those without such job perks, these arrangements sound like a dream. (See also: America Is the No Vacation Nation)
Interestingly, the desire to work less may be linked to benefits for our well-being, productivity, and even the environment. If you’re pondering how to propose a shorter workweek to your boss, here are three compelling arguments.
Working Less Keeps Your Brain in Top Shape
Research shows that humans struggle to maintain high levels of focus and energy for extended periods. When they attempt to do so, they often compromise their creativity and innovation. In today’s job market, creativity and innovation are invaluable. Therefore, considering various ways to work less may enhance your success in your career.
Get Flexible
The most straightforward way to give your brain a break is to work fewer hours. If moving to Sweden or securing a job with flexible hours isn’t an option, explore companies that offer ultraflex positions. These companies allow certain employees to choose their hours and sometimes their work location. While workers must still fulfill their responsibilities, they have the freedom to determine how to accomplish their tasks.
Take More Breaks
Try to take more breaks during your work. Allocate a focused work period of 30-90 minutes followed by a 5-15 minute break. Use an alarm to signal when to start and stop working, and maintain this cycle until your workday ends.
If your company discourages extended breaks, consider taking shorter breaks. Utilize these moments to stretch your legs or do some quick exercises. (See also: 11 Things You Can Do During Your Lunch Break to Change Your Life)
Working Less Increases Productivity
Not only does working less help boost creativity, but it also enhances productivity. Even if your role doesn’t primarily involve innovative thinking, finding ways to work less can lead to doing more and completing tasks more efficiently. (See also: The 5 Best Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder)
Working Shorter Means Working Smarter
While the exact causes are unclear, studies consistently show that working less correlates with increased productivity. This relationship likely ties back to the link between reduced working hours and creativity. The human brain may concentrate well but doesn’t perform optimally when forced to focus on the same tasks for long durations.
Break Up Tasks
If you can’t work fewer hours, try dividing your tasks by type. For example, you might group tasks that require focused computer work, meetings, and evaluations of other employees. Instead of tackling them as they arise, schedule distinct sections of your day for each type of task. (See also: 10 Weird Ways to Get Things Done That Might Work For You)
Organizing your workday this way allows your brain to switch gears even while doing “work,” helping you to be more productive, as each set of tasks provides a break from the others.
Working Less Is Better for the Earth
If boosting your creativity and productivity isn’t enough motivation to consider working less, think about this: People who work less tend to use fewer disposable and consumable products.
This makes sense. Do you grab fast food on your way home after a long day because you don’t want to think about dinner? Do you use disposable diapers or bottled water because your hectic schedule leaves you with little time?
Alternatively, think about whether you’d create more things for yourself and your loved ones if you weren’t working so much. Recently, at a baby shower, a friend expressed regret over not finishing a knitted blanket due to her busy schedule during tax season. Instead, she gifted disposable baby products. If only she had more time!
While not everyone might knit, many would prefer to cook rather than rely on takeout, grow their own vegetables instead of purchasing them, or make their own soaps and detergents. These choices allow individuals to spend their time creating rather than simply spending money. (See also: 16 Everyday Things You Can Make at Home)
While these may seem like minor actions, if everyone had just a few extra hours each week, even a small portion of that time dedicated to making rather than buying could lead to a healthier world. However, we can’t make these changes if we don’t have the time, and we won’t have that time if we continue our current work habits.
Consider this: working less benefits you, the planet, and even your employer. If feasible, think of ways to reduce your working hours today or seek a position that allows for a better work-life balance.
Have you reduced your working hours? What benefits have you experienced? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
