Introduction
While reducing the workweek to 40 hours aims to decrease health risks associated with long working hours, experts warn that it might not be enough to ensure workers’ well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimate that over 745,000 deaths are linked to cardiovascular diseases and accidents caused by working more than 55 hours per week.
The Impact of Long Working Hours
Long working hours pose significant health risks, including increased chances of heart diseases and stroke. Although reducing the workweek to 40 hours may seem like a solution for issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, demotivation, and burnout, it might not address the root causes of excessive workloads.
Memory and Creativity Affected by Overwork
Erika Villavicencio-Ayub, director of DserOrganizacional for Latin America, highlights that overwork can negatively impact memory and decision-making abilities. She explains that fatigue can lead to slower decision-making, decreased creativity, and more errors.
Balancing Workload Quality Over Quantity
A study published in Current Psychology, titled “The Non-Linear Consequences of Working Hours for Job Satisfaction,” emphasizes that while working hours matter, the quality of work is more crucial. The analysis suggests an “optimal number of working hours” that maximizes employee satisfaction, but reducing the workweek to 40 hours does not solve the underlying issues.
Focusing on Work Quality and Culture
Villavicencio-Ayub stresses that simply reducing working hours isn’t enough; companies must also address work culture, especially since maintaining the same number of workdays could intensify workloads if not managed correctly.
Jorge Gutiérrez Siles’ Perspective
Jorge Gutiérrez Siles, a senior consultant at Kaysa Salud y Bienestar, agrees that work quality and positive leadership are more important than the quantity of working hours. He explains that technology enables remote work, blurring the line between personal and professional life, which can lead to constant hyper-alertness due to potential work messages at any time.
Achieving Real Disconnection in Reduced Workweeks
Gutiérrez Siles emphasizes that mental health is affected not only by work but also by insufficient recovery time. He stresses the importance of real breaks, sufficient sleep, and cognitive demand-free time for individuals. Additionally, digital disconnection is crucial.
Commuting Time and Its Impact
The time spent commuting to work is another factor often overlooked within the working hours but still impacts overall well-being. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) reports that, on average, commuting takes 71 minutes via public transport and 52 minutes by private car, though it can be longer.
Stress from Routine and Lack of Disconnection
Reducing working hours without adjusting the number of workdays might maintain the same stress-inducing routine, including traffic and limited time for rest or personal activities. Psychologists recommend exercise, a seven-hour sleep schedule, and leisure activities to help disconnect from work.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Will reducing the workweek to 40 hours guarantee better productivity? A: No, productivity depends on work quality and management rather than just the number of hours worked.
- Q: How can we ensure real disconnection from work during reduced hours? A: Prioritize digital disconnection, sufficient sleep, and leisure activities.
- Q: What impact do commuting times have on well-being? A: Commuting times limit rest and can negatively affect overall well-being.
- Q: How can companies support their employees’ well-being? A: Companies should follow risk prevention protocols for psychosocial factors and violence at work, foster disconnection, and respect employees’ rest periods.
