For decades, the 40-hour workweek has been the standard in many countries. But growing evidence shows that working long hours harms our health, reduces productivity, and damages the planet. Working less offers a solution that benefits workers, employers, and society as a whole.
So why do we offer 30 vacation days and unlimited sick days to ICT Union employees?
Increasing workers’ well-being and productivity
Recent research[2] across six countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the US) found that when employees worked fewer hours, they reported better sleep, reduced stress, and higher job satisfaction. Extra vacation time brings similar benefits by giving workers longer periods to rest and disconnect.
A common fear is that more vacation days or shorter workweeks will reduce productivity. Evidence points the other way. Companies in the UK four-day week trial saw revenue remain stable or even rise slightly, while employee turnover dropped significantly. In Germany, companies reported that business performance was not negatively affected, and workers enjoyed better mental health. Giving employees more time off often leads them to work more effectively when they are on the job and increases overall employee satisfaction.
Reducing working hours can also be a strategy for preventing job loss. When work is distributed more evenly across the workforce with everyone working a little less it avoids the creation of two extremes: those overburdened with long hours, and those without work at all.
Lowering the impact on the environment
The more we work, the more resources we consume. One analysis from the University of Massachusetts[7] suggests “working less is good for the environment”: that if we spent 10% less time working, our carbon footprint would be reduced by 14.6%.
But what about our consumption outside of work? Other studies suggest that because of less time spent at work, including reduced commute, eating home-cooked food rather than bought meals, and spending free time locally, the individual carbon footprint is reduced. Another United States study confirms this theory by concluding that households with longer work hours have significantly larger carbon footprints; showing correlation between consumption and high workload lifestyles. Working less can really mean consuming less while building stronger communities.
Balancing “the second shift”
Paid work is not the only labour workers perform. After returning from work, many face a so-called “second shift” of unpaid reproductive labour - caring for children, relatives, or managing the household. Reducing paid working hours gives people more time and energy for this invisible but essential work, and creates the conditions for it to be shared more equally among all household members.
We need to work less to live better
Whether through shorter workweeks or additional vacation days, the direction is clear: we need to work less to live better. More time off doesn’t just mean rest - it means healthier workers, stronger companies, and a more sustainable society. Extra vacation time is an investment in our collective well-being and fruitful relationships with our loved ones.
Supporting working less is not only the path forward to the future, where we are happier, but also a way of organising our time. With more time, we can act democratically, take care of nature, do art or follow our dreams. Happiness is just a few hours less away.
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