In an experiment in Sweden, a workday of six hours led to bigger gains and to happier employees. The New York Times writes about the interim results of a long story.
Almost all the interviewed workers are enthusiastic in the article. They have much more time to devote to the education of their children, are less tired in the evening, can exercise more, etc.
Arturo Perez for example, was exhausted in the evening when he came home from the nursing home where he works. After one week working six hours a day he was full of energy and the residents said that the quality of care was increased. The simple declaration of Perez is: "A happy employee is a better employee."
Toyota Dealer
An employer who sells and repairs Toyota cars has switched to a six hours working day already for 13 years in order to reduce stress and the waiting times for customers. Both were a success. Director Martin Banck says: "Employees do in six hours at least the same amount of work as eight hours, and often even more. It is hard work, but my people have a good stamina. Because cars are ready earlier, we have more clients and more profit."
Hospital
In Gothenburg is one of the largest hospitals in Europe, the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Last year, 89 doctors and nurses (from one of the sections) switched to a six-hour working day. 15 new people were hired, which cost more than EUR 100 000 per month. However, since that time, no one got sick, and people are working extremely efficiently. Waiting lists have been shortened from months to weeks, and 20 percent more surgeries were performed.
The director says: "For years we thought that the eight-hour day is optimal. But we must ask ourselves whether this is so. Perhaps that is now the status quo, we must be open to new ideas if we want to increase productivity." A nurse adds: "We have the whole day looking for ways to work more efficiently. We do not send each other any unnecessary emails, or tie ourselves up in meetings. If you have only six hours per day, you are not wasting your own or other people's time."
Source: P&O Actueel en Nytimes