The 40 hour working week has been enshrined as standard for over 100 years, but there's increasing evidence that working fewer hours is actually better for productivity.
It has been proven that when we work is actually more important than how long we work.
The University of California study shows we work better in late morning and mid-afternoon, our productivity increases in the cooler months, and because we are cyclical in nature (not linear), working - for example - 4 lots of 90 min sessions over the day is better than back to back work hours.
Health benefits are said to be massive. One benefit is people are less likely to suffer depression, burnout, weight gain, heart disease and even diabetes; primarily as a result of the sedentary life style many of us have sitting for hours at a desk.
Career expert Laurel McLay explained to Paul Henry.