That’s right; there was a time when you could freely leave work at midday every Wednesday and head down to the pub for the entire afternoon.
Alternatively, people would go for a run, head to a museum, or just go home to lounge about.
The findings about British workers’ discontent comes from a Censuswide study – commissioned by Travelzoo – which polled 2,000 working UK adults in October, 2014. Over two thirds (68%) of those questioned said they feel they are working too many hours per week.
63% of adults in the poll said that given the choice they would rather work four 10-hour days than the traditional working week of five eight-hour days.
The tradition of half-day Wednesdays was phased out of Britain 20 years ago; but the survey suggests that Brits think this is unfair given legislations in other parts of Europe.
The French have government-enforced restraints on their working hours and the Dutch regularly work a four-day week.
Travelzoo has launched a campaign to reclaim Wednesdays as a midweek point in the UK where we pause to take stock of where we are, and ensure that we have the balance we need and reduce stress.
Research conducted by Travelzoo has found that if half-day Wednesdays were brought back, 40% of people would use this free time to do nothing but relax or potter.
36% of people actually have more sensible sentiments, and would like to spend this time getting important life admin done, such as visiting the bank or going to the dentist.
The key is to move away from a “constantly connected” culture that is now prevalent among working professionals in the UK. The poll showed that more than a quarter of workers regularly check emails outside of working hours.
Psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos comments, “Businesses should afford their staff enough time to be individuals as well as employees, so they feel valued, leading to greater job satisfaction, engagement and overall happiness.”
Here here – we’re off to the pub.