Let’s just admit it. Most of us hate our jobs. Only about 31% of Americans feel “enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace”. Even for people who work at something they enjoy, the idea of doing it for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for the rest of our lives can feel like an early death sentence.
Sweden has decided to do something about it. In keeping with their history of progressive social policy, Sweden has begun to shift to a 6 hour work day, with many of their largest employers already implementing the stress reducing policy — and loving the results.
Linus Feldt, who heads up a large Scandinavian app development firm, Filimundus, had this to say:
"To stay focused on a specific work task for 8 hours is a huge challenge. In order to cope, we mix in things and pauses to make the work day more endurable. At the same time, we are finding it hard to manage our private life outside of work. We want to spend more time with our families, we want to learn new things or exercise more. I wanted to see if there could be a way to mix these things." …show more content…
When Henry Ford introduced the 8 hour workday at all of his factories in 1914, just 100 years ago, he faced a similar sort of skepticism. That, however, was quickly overcome as the success and benefits of his decision became obvious, and others started copying his
Sweden has decided to do something about it. In keeping with their history of progressive social policy, Sweden has begun to shift to a 6 hour work day, with many of their largest employers already implementing the stress reducing policy — and loving the results.
Linus Feldt, who heads up a large Scandinavian app development firm, Filimundus, had this to say:
"To stay focused on a specific work task for 8 hours is a huge challenge. In order to cope, we mix in things and pauses to make the work day more endurable. At the same time, we are finding it hard to manage our private life outside of work. We want to spend more time with our families, we want to learn new things or exercise more. I wanted to see if there could be a way to mix these things." …show more content…
When Henry Ford introduced the 8 hour workday at all of his factories in 1914, just 100 years ago, he faced a similar sort of skepticism. That, however, was quickly overcome as the success and benefits of his decision became obvious, and others started copying his