Exploring the health and well-being benefits of reduced working hours with maintained salary: A scoping review and evidence map

Despite heterogeneity of interventions and limited implementation contexts, it seems that reducing working hours to around 30-35 per week without pay loss may improve work-life balance, health, and well-being. Gender differences emerged, with women often facing increased unpaid work. As the evidence is still scarce particularly regarding long-term effects, sector-specific interventions, and gendered effects, further research is needed to inform and evaluate policies that promote equitable and sustainable work-time arrangements.