12 Reasons Why Working Less Can Help You Get More Done

9. The Role of Rest in Creative Problem-Solving

Have you ever found the answer to a tough question right after stepping away from your desk? There’s real science behind this: downtime is when our brains quietly connect the dots and unlock solutions. Research in creativity and problem-solving shows that breakthroughs are most likely to pop up during walks, showers, or relaxing moments—when you least expect them. Working fewer hours offers more opportunities for this kind of unconscious processing. By intentionally taking a step back, you invite your brain to work in the background, clearing out clutter and sparking new ideas. That’s why some of the most innovative leaders encourage time off and playful pauses. Giving yourself the gift of rest isn’t just restorative—it may be the key ingredient to your next creative leap.

10. International Insights: What We Can Learn From Working Less Abroad

Around the world, different cultures have been quietly proving that long hours aren’t always necessary for high achievement. Take the Netherlands, for instance, where the standard workweek is just 32 hours for many full-time employees. The payoff? Dutch workers consistently report strong life satisfaction and balanced well-being. Major four-day work week pilot programs in the UK and other countries confirm these global trends. Not only do people finish the same volume of work in fewer hours, but employers see benefits in retention, innovation, and overall company health. These success stories point to a bigger truth: our assumptions about what “full-time” needs to look like might be ready for an upgrade. By learning from these international experiments, North American workplaces have a chance to design schedules that prioritize both results and well-being, setting the stage for more purpose-driven work lives.