The mission impossible, but scientists prove that work brings joy if we don't spend a lot of time on it
A working week of 1-2 days sounds like science fiction – no one can imagine which employer would draw up such a work schedule and provide a decent income to its employees. Today, more and more people would like to have reduced working hours, and many companies are complying with this mostly because of the restrictions related to the covid pandemic. The restrictions has passed, but it made people more flexible and willing to change.
It's not realistic, though…
Scientists from the University of Cambridge abstract from the fact that a one-day working week is unrealistic for most people and prove that it is a shortcut to happiness. Their study involved just over 5,000 people with a variety of work histories. Those who have lost their jobs due to dismissions or layoffs are more likely to develop mental health problems. The happiest among the respondents are those who work part-time and, in general, their working hours do not exceed 16 hours a week.
Their level of joy might seem completely understandable, but analysts say their findings are surprising.
They expected that the maximum level of satisfaction would be among those working three or four days a week, reports The Daily Mail.
How did humanity come to the conclusion that the 40-hour work week is normal? Scientists ask this rhetorical question and answer that with the introduction of robotic technologies and other innovations in work processes, it makes perfect sense for people to work four, three and even fewer days a week, the publication adds.
