How Shifting to a Six-Hour Work Day Changed Us in 6 Ways

By Yanna Solace Adofina

Fighting the 3 PM slump after a long day?

An 8-hour work day is something that most of us are used to and have never questioned, at least until the last decade. The history of working long hours can be traced back from the 18th century, where employees in the manufacturing industry were asked to log in up to sixteen hours a day to keep up with the supply-and-demand. Despite it being inhumane, it was not until 1914 when the Ford Motor Company decided to try and reduce it to half. Eventually the rest of the world followed suit. But like everything else, nothing is spared from constant change. Entering the 21st century, the world’s employment landscape was in the middle of an enormous upheaval from a heavily industrial to a more digital landscape --- all the more hastened by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since lifelab started six years ago, we were also part of the 9-5 majority. It was something that worked for us during that season, as we focused more on the short-term hospitality industry. Then 2020 came, and we were not spared. The hospitality and tourism sector had suffered the most from temporary closures to permanent shutdowns. We had to go back to the drawing board and together come up with a new vision. With this new vision came several changes in the team culture, dynamic, and focus. Our co-founders Hannes and Lisa decided that we should all try out the six-hour work day. After more than a year, we are all reaping the benefits. Here’s how shifting to a six-hour work day changed us in seven ways, in no particular order:

1.) WE HAVE MORE TIME FOR RELATIONSHIPS

There is no shortage of stories where a frazzled employee is stuck in an office cubicle chasing deadlines night after night, while friends and family are emotionally drifting away. Time for the most important people in our lives is a valuable commodity, and this is something we do not want to take for granted. The extra two hours saved can make a huge difference with our prized connections.

2.) WE ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE

Our team learned how to work efficiently by prioritizing tasks and more coordination with team members with our new arrangement. Now this doesn’t mean we cram all our work in one shift. On the contrary, we are able to do more with less time because we don’t use up all our energy for the day.

3.) WE ARE WORKING ON BEING MORE CARBON NEUTRAL

Spending less time at work means we consume lesser items and services in the office. Computers and other machinery last longer because they are not used maximally. Most of our team members spend lesser time on the roads, as they are able to head home during non-peak hours. These ways might seem small and negligible on their own, but put them all together and they will make a difference to reduce CO2 emissions.

4.) WE ARE ALL HEALTHIER EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY

With a six-hour work day, our team members get more time for rest and relaxation. This translates to taking lesser sick days, decreasing the percentage of absenteeism. Shorter shifts also lends less anxiety, depression, and mental burnout.

5.) WE ARE ABLE TO PURSUE OUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

When was the last time you did something for yourself that made you happy? Creatives or otherwise, we all need to spend energy and time to nurture our sources of inspiration every day. Doing enjoyable activities even for a couple of hours reminds us that we are individuals with purpose and meaning.

6.) WE SPEND LESS

Staying in the workplace a couple of hours shorter means we have significantly lesser operating costs. The money saved can be put to use for the team’s other passion projects. Employee retention is another great benefit. Practically everyone loves a shorter working day, bosses included; so why would anyone look for work elsewhere?

Sweden and Iceland tried out the six-hour work day in the previous years, and it has worked for most sectors. Even Japan and Spain are giving this new arrangement a shot. We understand that this is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach, as this will heavily depend on the industry that you are currently employed in. But this is part of  the foreseeable future of work in the next few decades, and you wouldn’t want to be stuck fighting the 3 PM slump until then, would you?