The well-being of the workers who participated in the trial improved dramatically across a range of indicators, according to the study, done by the think tank Autonomy in the UK and the Association for Sustainability and Democracy (Alda) in Iceland. There was no loss of productivity or quality of service provided. People were outputting just as much work but were feeling much better about it.
In fact, workers were encouraged to be more efficient by reducing meeting time, reorganizing their schedules, and improving communication between departments. Perceived levels of stress and burnout fell in many cases, with employees saying they felt more positive and happier whilst at work due to the trial.
The participants also said that reduced hours meant they could spend more time exercising and socializing which in some cases had an impact on their in-work performance. Many also noted that work and home life were in better harmony, and this effect was sustained a year into the trial – reporting less conflict between work and home life.
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