With many companies around the world considering implementing a four-day work week, new research on vacation-related health benefits seems to support a move in that direction.
Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that flexible workplaces are a viable reality and has reignited the debate about introducing a four-day work week.
The standard working hours for an adult employee is about half the wake-up time. Pre- and post-work related tasks such as getting dressed, preparing lunch, and commuting should also be considered. Then there is the time spent doing household chores, attending appointments, and sleeping. These activities leave little room for leisure.
Researchers at the University of South Australia are now studying how vacations affect people’s health, and say their findings apply to a four-day workweek model.
Most four-day workweeks follow the 100-80-100 model, where employees receive 100% wages for 80% of the time in exchange for 100% productivity. That means he does the same amount of work for the same pay and benefits in four days instead of five. Proponents argue that a four-day work week increases employee productivity and satisfaction.
In the current study, researchers used data from the Annual Rhythms in Adult Lifestyle and Health (ARIA) Study, which collected daily 24-hour exercise behavior of 308 Australian adults over a 13-month period. They used the data to examine objective changes in participants’ exercise behavior before, during, and after vacation. This has not been done in previous studies.
Over the 13-month period, participants took an average of 2-3 vacations of approximately 12 days each. The most common type of vacation is ‘outdoor recreation’ (35%), followed by ‘family/social events’ (31%), ‘rest and relaxation’ (17%) and ‘non-leisure purpose’ (17%). ) was. This included taking care of others and doing home renovations.
The study found that people exhibited healthier behaviors when they took time off. The vacationer does 13% more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day, which equates to him getting 5 minutes more per day. He spent 5% less (29 minutes) sitting each day and 4% more sleep (21 extra minutes). The change was more pronounced from day 4 when he was on vacation for 2 weeks.
Ty Ferguson, lead author of the study, said: “Interestingly, the magnitude of these changes increased with the length of vacation, so the longer the vacation, the better the health benefits.”
Extra sleep is especially important for good health, researchers say.
“People were also able to get an extra 21 minutes of sleep each day while on vacation, which can have a variety of positive effects on our physical and mental health,” Ferguson said. said. “For example, getting enough sleep can help improve mood, cognitive function and productivity. ”
After vacation, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity quickly returned to pre-holiday levels. However, the increase in sleep lasted for about two weeks afterward, especially if the vacation was longer than a week.
Overall, the study showed a range of health benefits associated with taking vacations, even on short vacations. Researchers say the findings support a four-day workweek model.
“This study provides empirical evidence that people have healthier lifestyle patterns when they take short breaks, such as three-day weekends,” says co-author Carol Marr. The increase is expected to have positive effects on both mental and physical health, contributing to the observed benefits of a four-day work week.”
Data obtained by the nonprofit 4 Day Week Global (4DWG) are consistent with current findings. In 2022, 4DWG conducted a six-month trial in Ireland, USA, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. British trial data show that 71% of his workers reported reduced levels of burnout, 43% improved mental health, and 73% reported increased satisfaction with how they were spending their time. I’m here. The US and Ireland trials saw an 8% increase in revenue and a 12% increase in recruits over the trial period. Sixty-seven percent reported less burnout, and 41% reported less work complexity despite working fewer days.
“As the world adapts to the new normal, it may be time to embrace long weekends as a way to boost our physical and mental health.
This research International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
Source: University of South Australia
