The six hour day was first introduced in Sweden, then adopted by France. Along with the 4 day week, the appeal of more flexible working is spreading as more countries and businesses take up the idea.

Aside from the obvious impact of the last two years, many people in the UK work more than 40 hours a week. There’s still the pressure to keep working long hours and get the work done. Is this really necessary or productive?

Just because you’re working, doesn’t mean you’re working productively. There are numerous studies that have shown people are only productive for 60-80% of their day. Intentionally or un-intentionally.

Reducing the working day to a six hour day, instead of the eight, nine or ten you usually work, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get less done.

You could already be wasting 1-2 hours a day. Taking into account time wasted on distractions and interruptions; planned and unplanned meetings; spending time on low value tasks; losing focus.

Reduce your working hours to six a day, so it forces you to use your time more effectively. You'll stay focused and less likely to allow or waste time on distractions or getting side-tracked.

When you’re in the flow or up against a deadline, you get more done and quickly move through your task list. Even the more mundane ones. Get into this state and you can work more productively in less time.

Working a six hour day creates mini daily deadlines. There is the motivation to finish on time with the added benefit of two more hours for you to do what you want.

You can make better decisions and focus on more important priorities.

When you’re able to live a more balanced life, spending less time at work, you’ll be happier in both your work and personal life.

Whenever I ask, the three things people say they would do more of (if only they had the time) are - exercise, sleep and spend time with family/friends.

With an additional two hours each day you can …

… find time to exercise - before or after work.
… plan quality time with your family and friends.
… take up a new hobby.
… find time to study or learn a new skill.
… have more time for yourself.
… volunteer your free time.

Happy, healthy employees are more productive, achieve more and take less time off sick.

Customers and deadlines will always come first, so flexible working hours can provide cover across a full working day.

Letting clients and customers know your new working hours might also encourage them to get more organised. You'll get fewer of the end of day, last minute demands of “I need this now!”

Plan and organise your work into a six hour day, rather than having no set start and end times or no time at all. Be proactive and provide longer lead times so you can plan your time better and avoid last minute panics and time pressure.

Yes, there will always be last minute deadlines and unexpected urgencies but make these the exception rather than 'the norm'.

Try it, even for a couple of days a week. Make Friday's your default six hour day, so you can relax at the start of the weekend. See the difference it makes to your productivity, balance and sense of wellbeing. You have more time to do what you want, to spend more time with family and friends.

Find out More

How to work a 4 day week (Blog post)

If you're looking for a better way to plan and organise your week, take a look at the Plan Your Week - 5 Day mini-course.

Get in touch if long working hours are something that impact your productivity and you want to create a better, more focused way of working.