An argument for a shorter workweek

The standard workweek of 40 hours is not set up for efficiency. Energy cannot be sustained for a solid eight hours per day.

• A 2014 study suggested productivity drops after working 50 hours a week.
• Other experts suggest that 35 hours is the optimal work time before productivity starts to decline.

Research shows people get more done when they work fewer hours. One high-profile study in Iceland found that productivity remained the same or improved when working either 35 or 36 hour weeks.