How does a 3-day work week sound? Pretty amazing to me, I know. But unfortunately, only people above the age of 40 deserve to have a shortened work schedule says a new study conducted by the Melbourne Institute. In their findings of and observational experiment with 3000 male and 3500 female employees, it was concluded that after 25 hours of work, stress levels increase and productivity decreases.
Who knew stress and exhaustion could make you less productive at work? *Sarcasm*
If you’re used to working a 9-5 for five days a week, you know that when Friday comes along, you’re pining to get home and have a few days off. And while employers might not be implementing this new, shortened work week any time soon, this news should encourage you to “work smarter, not longer.” Pulling those extra hours is only going to decrease the next day’s productivity, which is something no employer nor employee would want.
One co-author of the study stated “The degree of intellectual stimulation may depend on working hours. Work can be a double-edged sword, in that it can stimulate brain activity, but at the same time long working hours can cause fatigue and stress, which potentially damage cognitive functions.” That’s why some researchers encourage longer lunch breaks, a simple scroll through social media every now and then, and other “non-productive” tasks during the work day. They’re great relaxers that can keep your productivity and stimulation at peak performance.
