An 8-hour workday is pretty typical across the United States, but what if we were to cut out a couple hours of work every day? While this may sound like a fantasy, the 6-hour work day is actually gaining a lot of momentum in Sweden. Many companies in Sweden including Toyota, app developer Filmundus, and the Gothenburg’s Svartedalens care home are finding great success with a 30-hour work week for their employees. Linus Feldt, CEO of Filmundus, offers his take on why a 6-hour work day is beneficial: “My impression now is that it is easier to focus more intensely on the work that needs to be done and you have the stamina to do it and still have the energy left when leaving the office.”
We all know that working too much can be detrimental to our health, and a recent study from The Lancet suggests that we are 33 percent more likely to have a stroke if we work 55-plus hours a week. Working just 30 hours a week in the United States could lead to more time spent with family, and more time for exercise and getting to enjoy the outdoors; but 6-hour workdays could also prove to be very challenging as they would require razor-like focus and being able to block out distractions like social media. While a 30-hour work week certainly won’t work for every employee, it is an interesting concept and might start garnering serious thought outside of Sweden.
Are you for or against the concept of a 30-hour work week? We would love to hear your input!
Sources:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/sweden-introduces-six-hour-work-day-a6674646.html
http://fortune.com/2015/09/17/gothenberg-six-hour-work/
