'Eight hours labor, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest' was the rallying cry of Robert Owen, a Welsh textile manufacturer turned labour reformer in the early 19th century.  

For those toiling in factories, Owen’s slogan was a socialist dream that only became commonplace in the early 20th century. 

But, the 9 to 5 is still standard while technology has moved on - we have Artificial intelligence, automation, intuitive software at our fingertips. Shouldn’t we be more productive while spending fewer hours at work? 

To give us an insight into alternative models of working is Professor Brendan Burchell, a professor at the Faculty of Human, Social and Political science at the University of Cambridge and fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge who has been focusing on the effects of a 4 day working week for employers and employees.

And also joining us is Professor Clare Kelliher from the Cranfield School of Management who has been spearheading research into flexible working. 

Season 7 of the We Society Podcast from the Academy of Social Sciences continues to tackle the big questions through a social science lens. Throughout this series, you'll be hearing some of the best ideas to shape the way we live.

Hosted by journalist and Academy President Will Hutton, we interview some of Britain’s top social scientists and public figures from across the globe to explore their evidence-led solutions to society’s most pressing problems.

Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the We Society on your favourite podcast platform and you can email us on wesociety@acss.org.uk and tell us who we should be speaking to or follow us on X https://twitter.com/AcadSocSciences

Find out more about the Academy of Social Sciences here: https://AcSS.org.uk