As the UK approaches the August bank holiday, a familiar sense of relief washes over workers—an extra day to rest, recharge, and live life on their own terms.
But what if this wasn’t just an occasional treat? What if the standard workweek was permanently reduced, allowing for more leisure, better health, and a higher quality of life?
To many, the idea of working less seems like a utopian dream—nice in theory but impractical in reality.
The conventional wisdom suggests that reducing work hours would lead to lower economic output, weaker businesses, and financial hardship.
Yet, growing evidence suggests the opposite: shorter workweeks could not only be feasible but beneficial for both individuals and society at large.
If that sounds far-fetched, consider this: numerous studies have linked long working hours to increased risks of stroke, coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Beyond physical health, excessive work erodes mental well-being, strains relationships, and leaves little room for personal fulfillment.
And while many believe that hard work is the key to happiness, the reality is that an overworked population is often less productive, less engaged, and ultimately less happy.
So why are we still working so much?
More Hours, Less Happiness
For decades, we’ve been sold a simple equation: more work = more success. It’s a belief so ingrained in modern culture that any attempt to challenge it is met with skepticism.
Work is often framed as a moral good, a source of purpose, and the foundation of a thriving economy.
But what if we’ve been getting it all wrong?
A growing body of research suggests that productivity does not increase with longer hours. In fact, overwork leads to diminishing returns.
Countries with shorter workweeks, such as Denmark and the Netherlands, consistently rank higher in productivity and happiness than overworked nations like Japan and the United States.
Even Henry Ford, the father of modern industry, recognized that excessive work hours were bad for business.
In the 1920s, he reduced the standard workweek to 40 hours, not out of kindness, but because he realized his workers were more efficient when they had more rest.
So why, in the 21st century, are we still clinging to a system that prioritizes hours worked over actual output?
Why We Haven’t Moved Forward
Technological advancements have made work easier and more efficient. By now, we should be working far less than previous generations.
In 1930, economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that by the 21st century, we’d be working just 15 hours a week due to productivity gains.
Instead, we are working more than ever. Why?
- Consumerism Keeps Us Chained to Work
The pressure to buy more, own more, and upgrade constantly fuels an endless cycle of earning and spending. Instead of using increased productivity to work less, we’ve used it to produce and consume more. - Capital Gains at the Expense of Workers
While technology has made businesses more efficient, the financial benefits have largely gone to executives and shareholders, not employees. Instead of reducing work hours, companies have prioritized profits over well-being. - The Rise of “Bullshit Jobs”
Anthropologist David Graeber argued that many modern jobs exist solely to keep people busy rather than provide real value to society. This phenomenon helps explain why, despite technological progress, we still have a culture that rewards long hours over meaningful work.
If shorter workweeks are so beneficial, why haven’t most companies embraced them?
The Four-Day Workweek Revolution
Despite resistance, the shift toward a four-day workweek is already happening. Companies around the world are running experiments, and the results are overwhelmingly positive.
- Microsoft Japan tested a four-day workweek and saw a 40% increase in productivity, along with reduced electricity costs and happier employees.
- Iceland conducted a large-scale trial where workers moved to a 35-hour week with no pay reduction—and productivity remained the same or improved across all industries.
- Belgium recently passed a law allowing employees to work four days instead of five, with no loss of pay.
Even Uniqlo, the Japanese retail giant, introduced a four-day workweek.
However, their model required employees to work ten-hour shifts on their workdays, effectively maintaining the same hours but condensing them into fewer days.
This approach—while a step forward—highlights the need for genuine reductions in work time rather than simply repackaging long hours into fewer days.
Beyond Work: The Real Benefits of Working Less
A true reduction in work hours would do more than just improve productivity—it would transform lives. Here’s how:
- Better Health
Workers with shorter hours experience less stress, lower risk of chronic illness, and improved mental health. - Stronger Relationships
More free time means more time for family, friends, and community, leading to happier and more fulfilling lives. - A More Sustainable Economy
Reduced work hours lower carbon emissions (fewer commutes, less energy consumption) and encourage more sustainable consumption habits. - More Time for Creativity and Innovation
Some of history’s greatest thinkers, artists, and scientists had ample leisure time to pursue their passions. Einstein, Darwin, and Tesla all had work schedules that would seem leisurely by today’s standards.
The Path Forward: Making the Four-Day Workweek a Reality
So, how do we move from theory to action?
- Government Policy
Laws and incentives can encourage companies to adopt shorter workweeks without cutting pay. - Business Leadership
Forward-thinking companies should embrace reduced hours, recognizing that happier employees are more productive. - Cultural Shift
We need to redefine success—moving away from workaholism and valuing life balance over endless labor.
This bank holiday, as you enjoy your extra day off, consider this: What if every weekend was a three-day weekend?
What if we built a world where work enhanced life rather than consumed it?
The four-day workweek is not a pipe dream—it’s a necessity for a healthier, happier, and more sustainable future. And it’s time we made it happen.
