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Shorter hours wanted? A systematic review of working‐time preferences and outcomes

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  • Miklós ANTAL
  • Benedikt LEHMANN
  • Thiago GUIMARAES
  • Alexandra HALMOS
  • Bence LUKÁCS

Abstract

Changes in working time have important economic, social and environmental implications. However, research on workers' preferences is highly fragmented across disciplines and journals. To overcome this, the present article provides a systematic review of the literature, analysing 173 studies. The study shows that working‐time outcomes and mismatches are mostly studied in a small group of OECD countries, using survey data and statistical methods. The most clear and consistent results are about gender, care responsibilities and current working hours. Among professions, only the medical workforce receives substantial attention. Norms and preference formation are poorly understood, and more qualitative research is essential to understand how working‐time reductions could spread.

Suggested Citation

  • Miklós ANTAL & Benedikt LEHMANN & Thiago GUIMARAES & Alexandra HALMOS & Bence LUKÁCS, 2024. "Shorter hours wanted? A systematic review of working‐time preferences and outcomes," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 163(1), pages 25-47, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:intlab:v:163:y:2024:i:1:p:25-47
    DOI: 10.1111/ilr.12406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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