Study Concludes That 40-Year-Olds Should Not Work More Than 3 Days A Week

Jul 25, 2018

On the off chance that you had the decision of stopping the Monday-to-Friday grind, would you take it? More than likely, your answer is yes without question. Fortunately, you can use science to justify this when talking to your employer.

A study was published by economic researchers in 2016 in the Melbourne Institute Worker Paper that discovered that for workers 40-years-old and over could benefit from a three-day workweek. In fact, it resulted in their best performance. So, why the number three?

The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research at the University of Melbourne in Australia welcomed 3,500 ladies and 3,000 men to have their work habits observed using cognitive tests. Some of these tests included:  

• Matching numbers and letters under time constraints
• Reading words aloud
• Reciting lists of numbers forwards and backwards.  

The economic researchers found that individuals who worked an average of 25 hours per week tended to perform best. Divide 25 hours by the usual 8-hour workday and you have the “magic number” of three days. Factors used to gauge performance include employment, economic wellness, quality of life and family structures. Truth be told, overall cognitive performance would increase until people struck the 25-hour peak, and soon thereafter, fatigue and stress would decrease cognitive test scores.

Colin McKenzie, an economics professor at Keio University who played a role in the research, attested that “work can be a double-edged sword” as it can sharpen and stimulate brain activity, but the fatigue and stress can potentially damage cognitive functions.  

We know burn-out is real and if you’re running on fumes, these are some things to seriously assess about your workplace if you are seeing the office more than your loved ones:  

• Having no productive results after working long hours
• Feel fatigued all day and you’re lacking sleep
• You have body aches and your eyes are sore
• Using drugs or alcohol to relax
• Depression and sadness become unwelcomed guests in your life
• Working over-time on top of the long hours you already work
• Relationships with your children, spouse and friends appear to be falling apart  

Work-life balance needs some serious changes in North America. Countries such as France have laws that make it illegal for employers to email employees after work hours. Other scientists are suggesting a four day workweek.

The trends show that retirement and state pension age in America more than likely be shoved back further. At this point, does it seem that trading for more hours at work seem worth it for the toll it takes on your body and brain?

If you’re currently in a work situation that isn’t easy to change, be sure to engage with things that you value the most such as family, friends, community service, etc.

Do you have anyone that needs some motivation to finally make changes to their work schedule? Or someone who wishes they could? Send this article to them!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!