Study: Six Hour Workdays Make Workers Happier, More Efficient

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Should we say sayonara to the 40 hour workweek?

According to an experiment in Sweden, workers were happier and more productive when working a six hour day.

Some of the staff at the Svartedalens nursing home was chosen to participate in the experiment. They worked a 30 hour workweek with no pay cut.

According to the New York Times, within a week, workers reported having more energy and residents said the standard of care was higher.

Daniel Bernmar, leader of the Left party on Gothenburg's City Council, told the NYT, "We've had 40 years of a 40 hour workweek, and now we're looking at a society with higher sick leaves and early retirement. We want a new discussion in Sweden about how work life should be to maintain a good welfare state for the next 40 years."

Critics argue a 30 hour workweek could put a strain on the economy and force companies to take on extra staff.