http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21242782
The Gambia has shortened the work week, making Friday a day of rest. Is this the perfect pattern for a working week?
In the tiny African nation of The Gambia, public sector workers will now clock in at 8am and clock out at 6pm, Monday to Thursday. They'll still do a 40-hour week but have the luxury of Friday off.
President Jammeh wants the extra rest day to "allow Gambians to devote more time to prayers, social activities and agriculture".
In the dark days of the 19th Century, many workers in industrialised nations considered themselves lucky if they got Sunday off. The achievement of a 40-hour week with Saturday and Sunday off for many was a major landmark for the labour movement.
Michael Honey is director of Icelab, an interactive design studio in Canberra, Australia. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm
"The pros are gaining 50% more weekend, four days' commuting - which is good for the environment, mental and physical - and free time during working hours which is great for errands.
"I'm sure we could be marginally more productive per week if we worked five days - but is it worth it? Do we really need the extra money, when it comes at the cost of time, the only thing no-one can have more of?
"The other cons are paying seven days' rent on office premises for four days' use and client meeting or phone calls on Fridays that we just can't reschedule.
"We did it for selfish reasons - we wanted to have more space in our lives to do the things we enjoy outside work. Cycling, hiking, trips to the mountains or the coast - or just going to the movies, getting a haircut, running errands.
"I unreservedly recommend it. People need more time to think, to play, to reflect, to be human."
Continued http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21242782
The Gambia has shortened the work week, making Friday a day of rest. Is this the perfect pattern for a working week?
In the tiny African nation of The Gambia, public sector workers will now clock in at 8am and clock out at 6pm, Monday to Thursday. They'll still do a 40-hour week but have the luxury of Friday off.
President Jammeh wants the extra rest day to "allow Gambians to devote more time to prayers, social activities and agriculture".
In the dark days of the 19th Century, many workers in industrialised nations considered themselves lucky if they got Sunday off. The achievement of a 40-hour week with Saturday and Sunday off for many was a major landmark for the labour movement.
Michael Honey is director of Icelab, an interactive design studio in Canberra, Australia. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm
"The pros are gaining 50% more weekend, four days' commuting - which is good for the environment, mental and physical - and free time during working hours which is great for errands.
"I'm sure we could be marginally more productive per week if we worked five days - but is it worth it? Do we really need the extra money, when it comes at the cost of time, the only thing no-one can have more of?
"The other cons are paying seven days' rent on office premises for four days' use and client meeting or phone calls on Fridays that we just can't reschedule.
"We did it for selfish reasons - we wanted to have more space in our lives to do the things we enjoy outside work. Cycling, hiking, trips to the mountains or the coast - or just going to the movies, getting a haircut, running errands.
"I unreservedly recommend it. People need more time to think, to play, to reflect, to be human."
Continued http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21242782
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