The effects of a shorter workweek on employees working in the Icelandic public sector

Abstract

Debates on the proper length of the workweek have been going on for centuries due to the fact that the issue is highly political, has great economic implications and affects the quality of life. Research on the matter is limited but suggests that a shorter workweek is beneficial. Past studies have concluded that a shorter workweek enhances the work-life balance, job satisfaction, calmness, a positive perception of one’s own health and promotes alertness amongst employees. Furthermore, it reduces stress symptoms and absenteeism (Guideline, 2016; Lehndorff, 2014; Reykjavíkurborg, 2016). The aim of this study is to add to the body of knowledge on the additional, perceptional and behavioural effects of a shorter workweek. This was achieved through measurements of job satisfaction, stress symptoms, burnout symptoms, work-life balance, work-life conflict and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB). Participants (N=1217) working in 8 Icelandic public organisations participated in the research by responding to a survey twice in a 6-month period. Four of the organisations served as a control group while the experimental group consisting of 4 other organisations shortened the workweek by 4 hours on average. The results indicate a significant reduction in stress symptoms, burnout symptoms and work-life conflict while the work-life balance increased significantly. Similar effects did not appear in the control group. Therefore, the study puts forward the positive effects of a shorter workweek.