Let’s talk about by working less hours. In this investigation, we will see the perks of working less in order to increase productivity. It’s something younger generations dream about: work-life balance.

Health concerns

What can long hours do our health? Well, it increases the chance of it declining. Studies show that people who work overtime frequently or longer than eight hours are at a higher risk of developing health problems. The solution is to work less so that the body can rest and not decrease productivity. 

Reference

Dembe, A., Erickson, J., Delbos, R., & Banks, S. (2005, March 8). The impact of overtime and long work hours on occupational injuries and illnesses: New evidence from the United States. Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Retrieved October 10, 2016, from http://oem.bmj.com/content/62/9/588.full#cited-by

Home life

Long work hours prevent families from being together and spending quality time.

Reference

Lean, Ruppanner, L., & Maume, D. (2016, May 20). Shorter Work Hours and Work-to-Family Interference: Surprising Findings from 32 Countries. Oxford Journals. Retrieved October 10, 2016, from http://sf.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/08/17/sf.sow057.abstract

Physical health

Physical health deteriorates because of working too much. Some jobs can lead to sleep deprivation, and in some cases, extreme levels of stress. Depression is another common mental disorder that affects workers since they don’t have time to enjoy hobbies and life.

Reference

White, J., & Benswick, J. (2003). Retrieved October 10, 2016, from Health & Safety Laboratory, http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2003/hsl03-02.pdf

Career success

Having a successful career may involve working more than actually living. Students who graduate university are so focused on career success that they work longer hours. Little do they know that their obsession may be the cause of health declining. Companies should keep an eye on this and do what they can to avoid work taking over their lives.

Reference

Sturges, J., & Guest, D. (2006, August 24). Working to live or living to work? Work/life balance early in the career. Human Resource Management Journal. Retrieved October 10, 2016, from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-8583.2004.tb00130.x/full

Flexibility

Working flexible hours is the best way to go. It decreases the changes of having a huge workload. Also, working in one place seems convenient to avoid wasting hours traveling or driving from one place to another.

Reference

Hill, J Hawkins, A, Ferris, M, & Weitzman, M (2001). Finding an Extra Day a Week: The Positive Influence of Perceived Job Flexibility on Work and Family Life Balance. Family Relations,. retrieved October 10, 2016, from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2001.00049.x/full