Barnes confirmed there weren't any material gendered differences in the benefits of the shortened work week. People largely used the extra time for hobbies and leisure, housework and caring, and personal maintenance. However, the one gendered finding in the report is that the time men spent looking after children increased by more than double that of women ."We've got far more work to do in thinking about the macro benefits of shorter working in a broader context," says Barnes.
The implications for the environment, infrastructure, families, education, volunteer work and more are also exciting. Barnes singled out volunteering as an example of what possibilities there are for increased involvement when we change the way we work."Rotary clubs have faded because nobody has the time to be in Rotary. And that's an organization that cured polio globally. We lose these things at our peril. So that's where the research needs to go next.
"My argument is that this switch is a highly rational business strategy," says Barnes."Your productivity is maintained. Your sick days are halved. Your ability to attract and retain talent goes up." But Barnes also poses an interesting theory for why some companies are hesitant to make the switch. The old guard in charge feels that if they had to work long hours to get ahead, then so should everyone else.
"I can understand companies' reservations," says McParlane."Four is a smaller number than five, and people just immediately think that there must be less output. It's a tough market at the moment and I understand why companies are cautious. But I think if a massive household name technology company made the switch, then that would change everything."
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Great read as always! .