Suzie Key Tima

In today’s world, the 8-hour workday has become a norm. However, this traditional work schedule might not be as productive as we think. In fact, it could be hindering our productivity and creativity. Here’s why working 8 hours a day is killing your productivity.

The Myth of the 8-Hour Workday

The 8-hour workday was introduced during the Industrial Revolution as a way to limit the number of hours factory workers spent on the job. It was based on the belief that humans could only be productive for a certain number of hours before they needed to rest. However, this concept was designed for manual labor, not for the cognitive work that most of us do today.

The Problem with the 8-Hour Workday

The main problem with the 8-hour workday is that it doesn’t take into account the natural ebb and flow of our energy levels throughout the day. We all have periods of high and low energy, and trying to force ourselves to be productive during our low-energy periods is a recipe for burnout.

Moreover, the 8-hour workday can lead to long, uninterrupted periods of work, which can actually decrease productivity. Studies have shown that taking short breaks throughout the day can help maintain a consistent level of performance.

The Solution: Flexible Work Schedules

The solution to the problem of the 8-hour workday is flexible work schedules. This could mean working four 10-hour days, working from home, or having flexible start and end times. The key is to allow employees to work when they are most productive.

Flexible work schedules have been shown to increase productivity, improve work-life balance, and reduce stress. They also allow employees to work when they have the most energy, which can lead to better work and more creative solutions.

The Risks

One concern of flexible remote work is that workers will be more distracted and use their work hours on other matters. I think this is relatively easy to control when using a performance metric for employees. Giving tasks or projects with a reasonable associated deadline ensure that employees still use their time wisely to produce the work that is expected of them.

I think it’s time to rethink the way we work and embrace flexible work schedules whether that is a 4-day work week or something else. By doing so, we can improve our productivity, reduce stress, and create a better work-life balance.
So, the next time you find yourself struggling to stay focused during an 8-hour workday, remember that it’s not you, it’s the system.