Experiments with Reduced Working Hours

In the midst of climate and health crises, a shortage of skilled workers and fears of globalisation and digitalisation, Switzerland is facing major challenges. Could fewer working hours be the answer?

Climate crisis, social inequalities, stress and health problems and the discrepancy between the need for qualified specialists and the fear of job losses due to global trends such as offshoring and automation: our society is approaching social, ecological and economic limits, which not least require a rethink of the role of gainful employment.

Possible solutions such as shorter working hours and time prosperity are increasingly being discussed and studies show positive social and economic effects. There are pioneering companies and voices that see the reduction of working hours as a forward-looking solution to current challenges. Studies by the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) at the University of Bern and other research groups have shown that a switch to fewer working hours in affluent societies not only promotes individual well-being, but can also be in line with the principle of sufficiency.

Sufficiency-orientated transformation

Increased efficiency and the use of renewable energies alone are not enough to minimise the ecological impact of economic growth. Rather, a sufficiency-orientated transformation is required that reduces the overall consumption of resources and at the same time promotes immaterial concepts of prosperity and social justice. The re-evaluation of gainful employment plays a central role in this.

Together with the CDE and in collaboration with Swiss companies, civil society and institutions, the Centre is developing desirable scenarios for innovative and resilient working time models and conducting an iterative experiment.

Project activities

  • Develop desirable visions of the future using the scenario technique and, based on these, conduct experiments that address SMEs or include social interventions (e.g. contributions to the public debate) or institutional aspects
  • Validate the developed scenarios in terms of their desirability through standardised surveys
  • Develop a framework model on the relationships between working time-wealth-resource consumption with a focus on macroeconomic issues and interdependencies with important societal systems (e.g. social security)

Duration: August 2024 to August 2026

Partner: Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) at the University of Bern

Funded by: Stiftung Mercator Schweiz

Sarah Bleuler

Partnerin

Prefers to get involved in meaningful and socially relevant transformation projects. She takes on various roles, from communication and process design to systemic consulting. Regardless of the activity, the focus is always on a human-centered attitude and approach. Sarah studied journalism and communication as well as cultural journalism and is continuing her education in the fields of strategic design and social innovation.

Strategic Design Strategic Communication Systematic Consulting

Mirko Fischli

Partner

Enthusiastic about everything about media and technology. Mirko helped build the TV channel joiz and worked as a live director in the media industry for more than ten years. He teaches at the FHGR, and he completed a Business Administration Master in Graubünden in 2019. Mirko loves to exchange ideas with exciting people and learn new things. At Dezentrum, he is responsible for multimedia, leads projects and designs workshops or new products. As an all-rounder, however, he can be found just about everywhere.

Roles
Future of Work Digital Literacy Scenario Planning