Myanmar, like plenty of other countries all over the world, applies the eight hour work day. This means that whether you are working banking, IT, or an accounting job in Myanmar, you have to spend eight hours in the office. This is not the case in other nations like Sweden; employees in this Scandinavian country work for six hours only as a test. This experiment was funded by the Swedish government in hopes of increasing productivity and making employees happier.
Did it achieve both goals? It did.
The Experiment
Two facilities – homes for the elderly – participated in the experiment for a span of two years. One facility had nurses working eight hours, while the other one’s employees work for six hours only. A year’s worth of data showed that nurses working six hours took half as much sick days and took less time off in a two week period, compared to those who worked eight hours. In addition, the six hour work day made nurses healthier and less stressed, which means that they gave more quality care to the elderly. They had more energy and they were happier at work, as well as during their spare time. Their improved moods made them more productive; in fact, there was a reported 64% increase in performed activities.
Meanwhile, in the UK, a marketing agency also cut down and adopted the six hour work day. Afterwards, a survey here showed that six out of ten bosses agree that productivity would increasewith the decrease of work hours.
Health and Profitability
The Swedish study showed that when people work fewer hours, productivity can increase as workers take less personal time. When working eight hour work days, employees have difficulty concentrating on one thing for so long. Instead, they take too much personal time to make their days more bearable. On the other hand, employees who work for six hours a day are asked to refrain from attending to personal matters such as social media, calls, and emails, until the day ends. In result, they find it easier to focus on their work, concentrate on what needs to be done, and have the stamina as well as energy to do it.
In Gothenburg, Toyota centers switched to the six hour work day thirteen years ago. In result, the company experienced lower turnover rate, increase in profits, and a happier staff. This shows that countries should not be afraid to apply six hour work days instead of eight.
Some people prioritize their careers over anything else and over time, they realize that they haven’t spent proper bonding time with their significant others or children. The six hour work day ensures that people still have the energy and time to enjoy their private lives. By cutting the daily work hours, employees feel less stress and can spend more time with friends and family.
A banker named Ameek Grewal, moved from London to Sweden. He argued that sometimes it can be frustrating for employees who put in longer hours, but he says that the Swedish model of the work week brings better benefits than drawbacks. Grewal says that there is a mutual respect; he’ll wait until office hours to call customers and he won’t be called when he’s on vacation.
Working six hours every day instead of eight has plenty of advantages. Aside from improving productivity in the office, it can also enhance your employees’ moods. It might not completely eradicate the stress brought upon by their jobs, but it will definitely help them achieve a better work-life balance.