The idea of working four days a week is gaining in popularity worldwide, with reports showing people are happier and more productive working four days a week. And a new study makes the concept even more attractive. Researchers in Australia found that people are more active and healthier when they are on vacation … even if that “vacation” is just a three-day weekend. So, we’re happier, healthier and more productive with a four-day workweek … sign us up!
From the article:
“A shorter working week is being trialed by companies all over the world. Not surprisingly, employees reported less stress, burnout, fatigue, as well as better mental health and improved work-life balance,” says UniSA’s Professor Carol Maher, a senior researcher on the study.
“This study provides empirical evidence that people have healthier lifestyle patterns when they have a short break, such as a three-day weekend. This increase in physical activity and sleep is expected to have positive effects on both mental and physical health, contributing to the benefits observed with a four-day work week.”
“Importantly, our study also showed that even after a short holiday, people’s increased sleep remained elevated for two weeks, showing that the health benefits of a three-day break can have lasting effects beyond the holiday itself,” Prof. Maher concludes. “As the world adapts to a new normal, perhaps it’s time to embrace the long weekend as a way to boost our physical and mental health.”
The findings are published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.