It all started over a year ago, in part because of the pandemic that made large-scale remote work trials possible. Since then, more and more countries have started piloting 4-day work week implementations. Australia, Austria, UK, Denmark, USA, Switzerland, Netherlands and even Spain have conducted trials to demonstrate the benefits for employees and families. Total There are already 20 countries that are in one way or another evaluating this option.

And now it’s up to science. A team of scientists from the University of South Australia, led by Ty Ferguson, demonstrated that this was an option that would provide significant benefits on a large scale, especially for our health. In a published studies in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Ferguson’s team evaluated the daily routines, before, during and after the holidays, of more than 300 adults with an average age of 40. To get information from the volunteers, they were equipped with Fitbit Charge 3 devices and they had to wear it 24 hours a day for 13 months. The data obtained allowed us to compare movement behavior during and after the holidays (4 weeks) with pre-holiday levels (14 days).

The conclusion shows that people show more active and healthy behaviors while on vacation. In fact, and here’s the important thing, if the break is only three days Substantial changes have been detected. when they only had three days of rest.

During the 13-month study period, people generally took an average of two to three vacations, each lasting about 12 days. Data shows that during rest time people participate in more physical activity, improve sleep quality, overall heart rate and stress levels are reduced After the holidays, it will take longer to restore the normal level of service life. And again three days of rest indicates a change in trend.

“In this study, we found that movement patterns improved during periods of rest,” explains Ferguson a statement –, with increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior observed in all areas. We also found that people get an extra 21 minutes of sleep each day, which can have a variety of positive effects on our physical and mental health. For example, getting enough sleep can help improve our mood, cognitive function and productivity. It can also help reduce our risk of developing various health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression.”

Don’t worry boss, productivity doesn’t go down

For study co-author Carol Maher, a health and population expert, the results support a growing movement to install a four-day work week.

“Businesses around the world are testing a shorter work week. Unsurprisingly, employees report less stress, burnout, burnout, as well as better mental health and a better work-life balance. This study – adds Maher – provides empirical evidence that people have healthier lifestyle patterns when they have a short break, such as a three-day weekend. This increase in physical activity and sleep is expected to have a positive effect on mental and physical health, contributing to the benefits seen with a four-day work week.”

And if the concern is productivity, we can start putting that aside already. A study conducted in England by the University of Cambridge and involving 61 organizations and companies in the country, analyzed the well-being of employees during the test 6 months with a 4 day work week. The results not only show better health, but also show that there is no reduction in productivity or decrease in profits

“Importantly, our study also showed that even after a short vacation, the best sleep quality was maintained for two weeks,” concludes Maher, “proving the health benefits of sleep.” three days can have lasting effects beyond the vacation itself. As the world adjusts to the new normal, maybe it’s time to welcome the long weekend as a way to improve our physical and mental health.”