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It sounds like a summer dream. Working only six hours a day instead of 8 hours and getting paid the same. But it’s no dream for workers in one of the wealthiest nations in the world.
Sweden, a country that’s already among those with the shortest work weeks, is going to reduce hours even further. But is it really a good idea when it comes to the economy and productivity? And should we consider doing the same here?
Every company tries to find that edge in this very competitive world. And maybe a shorter work day and happier employees is the key. Some people might dread the regular nine to five. So how does the nine to three sound?
“Working six hours gives you a lot of freedom. I think 9 to 3 sounds awesome. Seems like a really great idea”
Then pack your bags because on July first, members of the public sector in Gothenburg, Sweden will be trying out a six-hour work day instead of the regular eight. They’re hoping employees are healthier and more efficient as a result.
David Augustin is V.P. Of Robert Half: “It’s nice to see that a city and a government are looking at ways to improve the mental and physical fitness of their employees by shortening their work day.”
The change would put a dent in the amount of work done over a year. Canadians work a little under the global average. The Swedes already have one of the shortest work weeks — but take off 2 hours a day, and they’ll be working less than the Dutch who have a four day work week.
Travel site, expedia.ca says that 22 percent of Canadians cancelled or postponned their vacation due to work, so are Canadians ready to accept a 6-hour work day? Or are we too obsessed with work?
David says: “it’s going to be mixed, it really has to go business to business to look at, y’know, can I make this work for my employees, will it make them happy and also, increase their productivity which is what we’re all looking for.”
Nikhil Bhanwra is Managing Partner at Democracy Coffee House: “When it comes to dealing with so many people, so many orders, ya i do think that a shorter work day will keep our employees fresher happier.”
Lisa Dalia is the owner of Solee Shoes: “The kind of work I do, you might spend an hour setting up, an hour cleaning up, there’s two hours gone there and what are you left with, a four hour day. Probably not a lot going to get done in that period of time.”
Apparently you can get a lot done, in fact, Sweden is one of four countries with the shortest work weeks that made the top 10 in the world economic forums annual competitiveness report. So less work and more play is good!
