The Connection Between Work Hours And Job Satisfaction

Long hours do NOT equal good work. The notion that long hours equate to good work is a fallacy, and here's why: 1. Decreased Productivity: A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that productivity significantly declines after working more than 50 hours per week. 2. Lack of Creativity: Research published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes suggests that individuals who work excessively long hours experience mental exhaustion, which impairs their ability to generate creative ideas. 3. Health Issues: A study published in The Lancet found that individuals who work 55 hours or more per week have a 33% higher risk of stroke compared to those who work 35-40 hours. 4. Poor Work-Life Balance: A European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions study revealed that long working hours negatively impact personal relationships, leisure activities, and overall well-being. 5. Reduced Decision-Making Skills: A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that judges who worked long hours were more likely to make biased decisions and exhibit less self-control. 6. Increased Errors and Accidents: A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reported that employees working long hours have a higher risk of occupational injuries and accidents. 7. Decline in Cognitive Function: A Finnish Institute of Occupational Health study found that individuals who regularly work long hours demonstrated a decline in cognitive performance over time. 8. Lack of Work-Life Integration: Research published in the Journal of Management found that long work hours were associated with lower levels of engagement in non-work activities, such as hobbies and socializing. 9. Decreased Job Satisfaction: A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that employees who worked long hours reported lower levels of job satisfaction and higher intentions to leave their current job. 10. Inefficiency and Unproductive Work: A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that employees who worked long hours experienced higher work inefficiency and reduced job performance. Let's keep in mind that it is not the quantity of hours worked that determines success, but rather the quality of work and the well-being of individuals. It is time to shift our focus from long hours to smart and effective work practices that foster productivity, creativity, and a healthy work-life balance. What are your thoughts? #leadership #modernleadership #peopleandculture #agileleadership

Nearly two-thirds of American workers don't have high-quality work schedules — meaning they don’t have predictability, stability, or control over their working hours. Twenty-seven percent of employees have schedules that are so unpredictable and uncontrollable it undermines their financial security and wellbeing. The American Job Quality Study — a collaboration between Irvine grantee Jobs for the Future (JFF), The Families and Workers Fund, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, and Gallup — surveyed over 18,000 workers and found that schedule quality is a critical but often overlooked factor in job satisfaction. The disparities are stark. Workers with poor schedules are nearly twice as likely to struggle financially and experience constant work-life conflict. Part-time workers and those without college degrees face the greatest scheduling challenges. But even 22% of workers with bachelor's degrees report low-quality schedules. Quality jobs aren't just about paychecks. They're about dignity, predictability, and giving workers agency over their lives. The good news? Research shows that employees with high-quality schedules feel more financially secure, have better work-life balance, and are happier with their jobs overall. All of these things reduce turnover and can even increase sales. This isn't just good for workers — it's good for business and our broader economy. #QualityJobs #FutureOfWork https://lnkd.in/g7QvzSrM 

We're seeing an emergence of dual labor markets - some with flexibility/high pay and others with inflexibility/low pay. That magnifies earnings inequality. The latest findings from Gallup's American Job Quality Study shed light on a long-overlooked factor shaping U.S. workers’ wellbeing: scheduling quality (cc Julie R. for the nice write up). Drawing on a nationally representative sample of over 18,000 workers, Julie shares that unpredictable, unstable, and inflexible work schedules significantly reduce job satisfaction, financial security, and work-life balance. Not surprising at first glance, but it implies a sort of regressivity: the occupations these workers are in actually have even worse situations! While much attention has focused on compensation, this research makes clear that how people work - their ability to predict and control their schedules - is just as crucial. Only 38% of employees currently benefit from what the study classifies as a “high-quality” schedule, while more than one in four are in jobs with low-quality schedules, lacking all three. Those facing volatile hours and little control are more likely to report financial stress, family conflict, and lower overall happiness. By contrast, workers with more control over their time report higher levels of satisfaction and resilience. As debates about job quality intensify, these findings call for a broader redefinition of what constitutes a “good job.” #JobQuality #WorkLifeBalance #LaborPolicy #EmployeeWellbeing