The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend. Do you agree or disagree?

It is often argued that a shorter working
week
with extended weekends can enhance employee well-being.
While
I acknowledge the potential advantages of reducing
work
hours
, I contend that a significant reduction in the working
week
is not a viable long-term solution.
Instead
, a more balanced and flexible approach would better support both
productivity
and personal well-being. On the one hand, reducing the working
week
could indeed improve workers' physical and mental health. By providing more time for rest, recreation, and personal pursuits, employees are likely to experience lower stress levels, which in turn could enhance their
productivity
.
For example
, in countries
such
as Sweden, companies that have implemented a six-hour workday have reported an increase in employee satisfaction and efficiency.
This
suggests that fewer
hours
do not necessarily equate to reduced
productivity
; in fact, shorter
hours
can lead to improved focus and energy levels among workers.
However
, it is crucial to recognize that
this
model may not be applicable across all industries. In sectors
such
as healthcare and emergency services, where continuous staffing is critical, reducing
work
hours
uniformly could compromise the quality of essential services.
On the other hand
, the notion of a dramatically shortened workweek poses potential economic challenges, particularly in highly competitive global markets. A reduction in working
hours
may lead to a decline in
overall
output, particularly in industries that rely on constant innovation and
productivity
.
For instance
, countries with shorter workweeks may struggle to compete with nations where longer working
hours
are the norm, potentially hindering economic growth and reducing opportunities for international expansion. A more sustainable alternative would be to introduce flexible working arrangements,
such
as remote
work
or staggered shifts. These options allow employees to balance their professional and personal commitments without sacrificing
productivity
.
Moreover
, flexible
hours
could foster a healthier
work
-life balance, improving
overall
well-being without necessitating a drastic reduction in
work
time. In conclusion,
while
there are clear benefits to offering employees longer weekends, the drawbacks of significantly reducing the working
week
, particularly in terms of economic impact, cannot be overlooked. A more viable solution would be to adopt flexible working arrangements that accommodate both personal well-being and the demands of a competitive economy.
This
approach would not only improve
work
-life balance but
also
maintain high levels of
productivity
and economic stability.
Submitted by 110308036 on

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task achievement
Ensure that each paragraph focuses on a single main point and develops it fully. This can help in maintaining clarity and depth in your arguments.
coherence cohesion
Work on incorporating more varied vocabulary and complex sentence structures to enhance the overall quality of the essay.
task achievement
Your essay presents a well-rounded and balanced argument, addressing both sides of the issue effectively.
coherence cohesion
The ideas flow smoothly from one paragraph to the next, making it easy to follow your arguments.

Word Count

IELTS says that you should write a minimum of 250 words in writing task 2. If you go under word count you will lose marks in task response.

A very long essay will not give you a higher band score.

Aim for between 260 to 290 words in writing task 2. This will ensure a concise essay and will be realistic in terms of time management. You have only 40 minutes to write the essay and you need around 10 minutes of planning time, so you will not be able to write a long essay in 30 minutes.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • productivity
  • burnout
  • motivation
  • mental well-being
  • work-life balance
  • job satisfaction
  • pollution levels
  • traffic congestion
  • consumer spending
  • economic implications
  • leisure and service sectors
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