Optimum Working Hours Improve Productivity

New research has shown that working more after a certain age can have adverse impact on productivity. People above the age of forty may achieve peak productivity if they work only three days a week, according to the study done by University of Melbourne.

The observation was made after a study of 3000 men and 3500 women at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and SocialResearch, University of Melbourne. Cognitive tests done on them revealed that performance improved till they reach 25 hours of work per week. But beyond that stress and fatigue led to drop in performances. They had to match numbers and letters under strict time limits, recite numbers backward and read text aloud. The tests were conducted among people whose age was above 40.Thier socio-economic status, employment and family structures were also analysed.

The findings may give a clue as to why some companies prefer to have a younger work force when job has to be done to tight headlines. On the other hand, the University research was done only for those above age 40. Similar tests had to be done among 20-40 year age groups to get a comparative view on this issue.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-36069754