Reducing Working Hours: Benefits, Drawbacks & Productivity

Owning or working for a business can both offer opportunities for you to reduce your work hours. If you run a business, you can work less by delegating more tasks to employees. If you are an employee, you can talk to your manager about limiting your work hours. Reducing the number of hours you work each week has its advantages, but it can also create problems.

Enhanced Productivity

Reducing your working hours can allow more time for attending to personal tasks, and can give you the time you need away from your job or business to recharge and obtain sufficient rest. This can help you approach your work with renewed enthusiasm and focus, which can improve your productivity. Time away from work can also help you accomplish work tasks in less time and with fewer errors.

Ability to Pursue Business Ventures

If you work for an employer but want to own your own business, reducing your work hours can leave you more time to build your business. You can spend the extra time writing a business plan, registering your business with state and local regulatory agencies, and finding resources for your business. Depending on the type of business, you might also be able to launch your business and begin earning money by working around your job hours.

Reduced Income

Working fewer hours will result in lower earnings, if you are an hourly employee. It might also reduce your income if you own a business in which your income depends in your direct involvement, such as freelancing or service businesses. A reduction in income can strain your finances and make it difficult to meet your obligations. It can also interfere with your ability to save for retirement, vacations and education expenses.

Marginalization

Reducing work hours decreases your physical presence in your business or job role, which can cause you to miss out on meetings and training sessions that can help you stay up to date on business or company developments. It can also interfere with developing strong relationships with employees or fellow team members, which can make you feel that your role is marginalized within your company.