The productivity paradox: working less can pay off more

Imagine a world where working less could actually make you more productive. Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn't it? The productivity paradox postulates that reducing working hours can actually increase productivity. This notion runs counter to the widely held idea that the more you work, the more you produce. Yet, according to an EY study, the implementation of the 4-day week enabled Microsoft's Japanese subsidiary to record a 40% increase in productivity after just one month. What's more, 64% of French employees would like to benefit from greater flexibility in the organization of their working hours, with the possibility of concentrating them over four days. Companies and employees alike stand to gain from working less.

Understanding the productivity paradox

Origins of the productivity paradox concept

Since the Industrial Revolution, productivity has been a key indicator of economic performance. Industrial entrepreneurs such as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, who built empires from scratch, contributed to the idea that hard work leads to success.

Working less: changing perceptions

From the beginning of the 20th century, however, a number of companies reduced working hours, and all found that this had no impact on production, and that hourly productivity was on the contrary increased. Ernst Abbe reduced the working day from 9 to 8 hours, and Henry Ford reduced the working week from 6 to 5 days(SES Webclass). Frederick Taylor conducted studies on worker fatigue and observed that productivity dropped significantly after a certain number of consecutive working hours.(French Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports).

Over the decades, the vision of work has evolved from the idea that more work means more production, to a more nuanced understanding of human needs for rest and renewal.

A graph published by CEPR relates the reduction in working hours over the years to the rise in productivity.

The scientific basis of the productivity paradox

Working less: studies and research

A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted several points:

- After 3 months of intensive work, employees who work long hours see their productivity drop by 19%.

- Long hours mean a 33% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease

- A 30% increase in MSDs has also been observed

- Employees who work 60 hours a week are 23% more likely to be injured than those who work 40 hours a week.

- Long hours lead to a 20% increase in anxiety and depression

This proves that working more is detrimental to productivity and well-being.

Working less: case studies

Sweden recently experimented with a six-hour working day, with convincing results. Indeed, employees with more time for their personal lives are more motivated and have more energy at work to produce more in less time. What's more, personal conflicts, which can degrade employees' work capacity, are fewer thanks to a better work-life balance. Some companies, such as Perpetual Guardian in New Zealand, have tried the four-day week and observed an improvement in employee productivity and well-being.

Benefits of working less

Increased productivity

Fewer working hours can help eliminate distractions and focus on important tasks, increasing overall efficiency.

The 2 graphs above show that the country in which we work the most is not necessarily the country with the best productivity. Mexico and even Greece are among the countries where we work the most, yet they are among the countries with the lowest productivity per hour worked. Conversely, France and Sweden are countries where people work less, but where productivity is higher. This clearly shows that the number of hours worked is not proportional to productivity. A study by Cambridge University in which companies in the UK tried out the 4-day week for 6 months, reducing working hours by 20% while retaining the same wages and targets. Sales increased by an average of 1.4% for participating companies.

Well-being at work and health

Shorter working hours can reduce stress and prevent burn-out, improving employees' mental and physical health. Working less can help maintain manageable stress levels, preventing burnout and promoting a better quality of life. The results of theCambridge University study on employee health and well-being are clear:

- 71% of employees say they are less burnt out at work

- 39% of employees are less stressed

- Sick leave reduced by 65

In view of the very encouraging results, 92% of the companies who took part in the study would like to continue with the four-day working week.

Psychological aspects

The human brain needs rest periods to function optimally. According to Harvard studies, giving the brain regular breaks improves memory, concentration and creativity. Intelligent cognitive rest involves not only short breaks during the day, but also activities that relax the mind, such as meditation or walking outdoors. Regular physical activity can also be of great benefit to the company(discover all the benefits). Free time allows you to reflect and incubate new ideas, which is essential for innovation and creativity. Sometimes, the best ideas come from taking a step back. These moments of rest allow the brain to consolidate information and prepare for future tasks more efficiently, underlining the importance of working less to achieve more.

Work less, earn more: tips for your life or business

Individual strategies for working less

Organize your day with time slots dedicated to priority tasks, use time management techniques like the Pomodoro method, and learn to say no to unnecessary distractions. Use time management tools, set clear and specific goals, and give yourself regular breaks to stay fresh and focused.

Learn more about the power of breaks

Organizational strategies for working less

Companies can introduce flexible working policies, offer telecommuting options and encourage a culture of work-life balance. In addition, they can organize training sessions on time management and productivity, helping employees to maximize their efficiency while avoiding burn-out. Encouraging regular breaks and disconnection after working hours can also contribute to better mental health and greater job satisfaction. Finally, creating spaces for relaxation and creativity within the company can stimulate innovation and strengthen employee commitment.

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FAQ : The productivity paradox - working less can pay off more

1. What is the productivity paradox?

The productivity paradox is the idea that reducing working hours can increase productivity. This runs counter to the widespread idea that working more equals producing more. Studies show that shorter working hours can improve employee efficiency and well-being.

2. What scientific evidence supports this paradox?

Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of reduced working hours. For example, a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed that long working hours reduce productivity by 19% and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

3. What are the benefits of working less for employees and companies?

Benefits include increased productivity, better mental and physical health, and a better work-life balance. Reduced working hours reduce stress, prevent burnout and improve commitment and job satisfaction. Concrete examples, such as the four-day week experiment in New Zealand, have shown increases in employee productivity and well-being.

4. How can companies implement reduced working hours?

Companies can introduce flexible working policies, offer telecommuting options and encourage a healthy work-life balance. They can also organize training courses on time management and productivity, encourage regular breaks and disconnection after working hours, and create spaces for relaxation and creativity.

5. What are the psychological impacts of working less?

The human brain needs rest periods to function optimally. Regular breaks improve memory, concentration and creativity. Harvard studies show that intelligent cognitive rest enables the brain to consolidate information and prepare for future tasks more efficiently. The best ideas often come from stepping back and resting, underlining the importance of working less to achieve more.

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As you can see, working less is actually working better. By reducing our working hours, we boost our productivity, creativity and well-being. So make the most of your free time - your brain will thank you! 😉

By Candice Lhomme

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