Tiffany McAdams is a freelance writer and graphic designer for InvestmentZen. She has an obsession with financing – she just got her first investment rental property and is eagerly saving up for a second. She loves the outdoors, especially skiing and kayaking, and has a knack for interior decoration.

Employees today are working more hours and taking less vacation time. In a recent study, only about 50% of full-time employees are working 40 hours a week or less. The other half are consistently working 45, 50 or even 60+ hours a week. On top of the standard workweek, many employees are working after hours trying to build some additional income by either starting a business or find random ways to make some extra cash.

The most noticeable effect from the increased hours worked is employee burnout. Burnout is causing employees to take excessive sick days and ultimately end up looking for employment with another company. While this in itself can be a big enough reason to lower work hours, increased risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, anxiety and depression are also looming risks for overworked employees.

What does an employer gain other than happier employees? Recent experiments have shown that the average employee can only produce five hours of concentrated, productive work. The other hours are often spent checking email, daydreaming, and even sleeping. Several companies participating in the three day weekend are reporting decreased absence, increased productivity, and higher employee loyalty.

Employees granted three day weekends are taking the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends, travel, and even catch up on sleep. Regardless of how they spend their time, they are showing up to work at the beginning of the week focused and happy.

A three day weekend sound good to you? Take some key points away from this infographic to your employer. Show them how they can save on energy bills, improve employee productivity and retention, and have happier employees. They’ll be satisfied with the results while you are enjoying your extended weekend.

Source: InvestmentZen.com