The consequences of a compressed workweek: a systematic literature review.

Abstract

Purpose: Compressed workweek arrangements, where employees work extended daily hours in exchange for fewer workdays, are adopted to address individual and organizational needs. While advocates highlight benefits such as improved work-life balance and reduced commuting time, the effects on employee health/well-being and work outcomes remain unclear. The objective of the current paper is to summarize existing knowledge on the longitudinal relationship between compressed workweeks and employee health/wellbeing and work outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cinahl, and Web of Science in March 2023. We included peer-reviewed publications that empirically investigated the longitudinal relationship between compressed work schedules and employee health/well-being or work outcomes in employees working no more than 55 h a week. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. The study is registered in Prospero (CRD42020172595).

Results: The 20 longitudinal studies yielded mixed results, identifying positive and negative effects on health/well-being and work outcomes. Most studies found no significant differences in at least one outcome. Results suggest that a compressed workweek increases sickness absence but also improves shift satisfaction. Predominantly negative health effects were observed when comparing a compressed workweek to fixed day work, mixed effects when comparing a compressed workweek with 12 h shifts to alternative shifts arrangements, and limited evidence for a compressed workweek with 10 h shifts.

Conclusion: The impact of compressed workweeks remains uncertain, demonstrating mixed results on employee health and work outcomes. The findings vary depending on the length of shifts and alternative schedule.