12/09/2023

Neuroscience News already wrote about the benefits of the “short week” in 2019, pre-Covid, when in Europe the measure had been already adopted almost exclusively by some Scandinavian countries – Sweden and Denmark.

Now, five years later, several companies in European countries and US States offer this option, claiming they care about their employees’ weelbeing and are willing to welcome further requests.

What are the true benefits of the so-called “short week”? Well, research says there are many. In addition to benefits such as reduced stress and improved mental health, the NN article mentioned a report, “Could working less save the planet?”, which suggested how reducing emissions from daily commutes would also help the planet.

Among the most recent studies, a 13-month research conducted by the University of South Australia found that the approximately 300 employees involved gained 20 minutes more sleep on each holiday day. Resting longer helped improve their mood, cognitive performance and productivity. What do you think? Are you working a regular 5/7 or less?