The idea of a shorter workweek is alluring to many people. After all, having enough time for the things we love can be difficult. Is it fair then to start working less in our search for happiness? Advocates would agree on a shorter workweek, but these policies have yet to be widely adopted.
Today's chart plots data from the 2019 World Happiness Report and the OECD to determine whether there's any correlation between the happiness of a country and the average hours per person worked.The unhealthy side effects of long working hours are well founded. However, in extreme cases symptoms may extend beyond the usual stress and tiredness.
For example, when working for more than 10 hours a day for a decade or more, the American Heart Association found that people under the age of 50 had a greater risk of stroke. Another study conducted across 14 countries concluded that people who worked long hours were more likely to become excessive drinkers by 12 per cent.
infographic by: www.visualcapitalist.com
