When Stalin Killed the Weekend (with The Happiness Lab)
Dec 22, 2023
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In this crossover episode, Tim Harford and Dr. Laurie Santos delve into the curious experiment of Stalin killing the weekend in Soviet Union. They discuss the challenges and lessons from the Niprivka workweek system, the impact of synchronized holidays on happiness, and the aftermath of attempting to change the week structure in Nebraska.
Coordination and synchronizing time off is crucial to facilitate social connections and avoid disruptions.
Perceived control over work schedules leads to higher satisfaction and productivity.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Taking a Break
The Happiness Lab podcast discusses the science of happiness and the importance of taking breaks. Many people struggle to prioritize leisure time, but studies show that rest and relaxation have significant well-being benefits. Surprise rest days given to overloaded students in a Happiness class at Yale University resulted in positive experiences, with students reporting enjoyable activities and memorable moments. It demonstrates the value of taking time off and engaging in enjoyable activities.
The Impact of Holiday Disruption
The podcast Cautionary Tales tells the story of St. Lubbock's Day, a jokey name for bank holidays in the UK. The introduction of these holidays resulted in disruptive teenage fights and clashes between mods and rockers. The continuous work week experiment in the Soviet Union also led to unintended consequences, such as challenges in scheduling activities and social interactions. These cautionary tales highlight the importance of coordination and synchronizing time off to facilitate social connections and avoid disruptions.
The Benefits of We Time
Research suggests that having designated time off when others are also free can have positive effects on well-being and satisfaction. Swedish studies show that when a larger proportion of the population takes holidays together, it creates a buffer against stress and fosters social connections. In Denmark, shorter work weeks and synchronized time off have led to increased social activities and clubs, contributing to high levels of happiness. Having we time during holidays and breaks allows for shared experiences and stronger social bonds.
The Role of Control and Autonomy
The podcast explores the importance of autonomy and control over one's time in promoting happiness. Studies show that perceived control in various domains, including work schedules, leads to higher satisfaction and productivity. Companies using scheduling algorithms need to consider the impact on employee well-being and the potential costs of unpredictable schedules. Providing more perceived control over work hours can improve employee happiness, satisfaction, and performance.
What if you could never have the same day off as your family and friends? Would you quit your job? What if it was the murderous dictator Joseph Stalin giving you the order?
The Soviet Union wanted its factories to run every day, all year long. And so, in 1929, Stalin killed the weekend: workers were prevented from all taking the same day off at the same time.
In this crossover episode of Cautionary Tales and The Happiness Lab, Tim Harford and Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos tell the story of Stalin's curious, calendar-reshaping experiment. They explore what it can teach us about time off even today, and why the holidays matter so very much.