In a world where performance and productivity are often synonymous with success, an emerging trend invites us to rethink our work rhythms. Working less to achieve more is a counter-intuitive idea that is winning over more and more young professionals and thinkers. This approach, which advocates a
Changing working practices and the quest for a better work-life balance have led many people to rethink their relationship with work. The idea of working less to achieve greater success is gaining in popularity, particularly among the younger generations. This article explores the contradictions to be overcome, the challenges facing society, and practical advice for adopting slow working while remaining effective.
Overcoming contradictions
The pace of today’s work often pushes us to never take a break, to be constantly on the go. This frantic pace can lead to exhaustion and a loss of meaning. One of the major contradictions is to want to work a lot and then not work at all. This extreme model is not conducive to finding a lasting balance. It is essential to re-evaluate our relationship with work to avoid these excesses.
“Work less, live better”: a new way of life
More and more young people are adopting the principle of “détravail”, convinced that working less means living better. Romane, a 24-year-old chiropodist, recently opened her practice in Ploemeur, illustrating this trend. She advocates a more human pace of work, allowing people to devote themselves to other activities and enjoy life more fully.
Social issues
Working less could help to eradicate unemployment by distributing available working time among all the active population. This approach could offer a solution to today’s economic and social challenges. By reducing working hours, it would be possible to create more jobs and guarantee an income for a greater number of people.
Towards a more balanced society
Reducing working hours could also respond to the ecological and social emergency. Philosopher Céline Marty calls for us to free ourselves from the “centrality of work” and implement actions to produce less. A more balanced model of society, where work is no longer the only central value, could emerge.
Slow working: work less but better
For those who want to learn how to work less but better, it’s crucial to understand that every period of activity must be offset by a period of rest. This basic principle is essential if you are to keep up the pace and preserve your balance over the medium and long term. Bérengère Timmerman proposes a radical change of perspective, highlighting efficiency as the key to achieving extraordinary results with minimal effort.
Practical tips for slow working
To get into slow work, it’s important to understand that your brain needs rest. Enjoying a peaceful breakfast, adopting a mindfulness posture, and slowing down while remaining efficient are key steps. These tips enable you to work less while living better, offering a viable alternative to the culture of intense work.
Concrete initiatives
Initiatives such as the “after-workless ” aperitifs organized in Nantes by the Travailler moins collective illustrate this movement. From chosen unemployment to early retirement, via a simple reduction in working hours, these actions show that it is possible to live differently. By adopting a more humane work rhythm, it’s possible to free ourselves from traditional constraints and find a healthier balance.
Towards the buildings of tomorrow
For those who want to go further, discover how to design tomorrow’s buildings with platform building. This innovative approach makes it possible to rethink work and living spaces, creating more flexible environments adapted to new work rhythms.
1. What is the concept of “working less to achieve more”?
The concept of “working less to achieve more” is based on the idea that reducing working hours can improve productivity and well-being. By adopting more balanced work rhythms, individuals can better manage their energy, concentration and motivation, which can lead to better results.
2. What are the advantages of working less?
The benefits of working less include a better quality of life, reduced stress, increased creativity and improved mental and physical health. It can also promote a better work-life balance, enabling individuals to devote more time to leisure and family.
3. How can “slow working” contribute to greater efficiency?
Slow working encourages periods of rest to compensate for periods of intense activity. This approach helps to maintain a sustainable pace over the long term and preserve personal balance. By incorporating regular breaks, workers can avoid overwork and stay focused and productive.
4. What are the social issues involved in reducing working hours?
Reducing working hours can help to eradicate unemployment by distributing available working hours among all the active population. It can also meet ecological and social challenges by reducing production and promoting more sustainable lifestyles. Philosopher Céline Marty calls for us to free ourselves from the centrality of work in order to produce less and better.
5. Why do some young graduates choose to work less?
Many young graduates are adopting the “détravail” philosophy to improve their quality of life. They prefer to prioritize well-being and personal balance rather than conform to traditional work-intensive norms. This choice may include voluntary unemployment, early retirement or a simple reduction in working hours.
6. How can you integrate efficiency into your day-to-day work?
To work less and succeed better, it’s essential to focus on efficiency. This means achieving extraordinary results with minimal effort. Adopting a mindfulness posture, understanding that the brain needs rest and savoring moments of relaxation are the keys to integrating efficiency into your daily work life.
7. What practical advice do you have for adopting “slow work”?
To adopt slow work, we recommend starting by understanding that your brain needs rest, enjoying a peaceful breakfast, and adopting the posture of mindfulness. These practices can help slow down the pace while remaining efficient, allowing you to work less and live better.
8. How does the current pace of work affect quality of life?
The current pace of work, which encourages people to never take a break, can have detrimental effects on quality of life. It can lead to burnout, increased stress and difficulty in finding a work-life balance. To counter this, it’s crucial to re-evaluate work practices and incorporate regular rest periods.
