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

Most included studies reported positive effects on work-life balance, mental health, and general health and well-being following working hour reductions with full pay maintained.

• 100% of studies reported positive effects on work-life balance
• 81.8% of studies reported positive effects on mental health
• 58.3% of studies reported positive effects on general health and well-being
• Qualitative data confirmed improvements in recovery, fatigue, and family time
• A total of 15 studies were included: ten scientific articles and five grey literature reports

Working time reductions across included interventions ranged from 10-25% of standard working hours.

• The review included studies from April 2014 to May 2025
• Target working hours in interventions converged around 30-35 hours per week
• Seven studies were from Scandinavian countries, seven from Western European countries, and one included both regions
• Eligible countries included Scandinavian and Western European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

Gender differences emerged in the distribution of unpaid domestic work following working hour reductions, with women increasing time dedicated to caregiving and household tasks.

• Eleven studies included a gender perspective, with eight providing stratified analyses
• Several studies indicated that women increased the time dedicated to caregiving and household, reinforcing traditional roles
• Men's involvement in unpaid work rose slightly without shifting responsibility equity
• Gender differences represented a key finding that the authors highlight as requiring further research

The scoping review followed systematic search and appraisal methodology across multiple scientific and grey literature databases.

• Scientific databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Epistemonikos
• Grey literature sources included international, European, and national labor and occupational health agencies
• The review followed PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines
• Screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal were conducted independently
• An evidence map was developed to synthesize the findings

Evidence remains scarce regarding long-term effects, sector-specific interventions, and gendered effects of reduced working hours with maintained salary.

• The authors note heterogeneity of interventions and limited implementation contexts as key limitations
• Further research is needed to inform and evaluate policies that promote equitable and sustainable work-time arrangements
• The review identified gaps particularly regarding long-term effects and sector-specific interventions
• Despite limitations, the authors concluded that reducing working hours to around 30-35 per week without pay loss 'may improve work-life balance, health, and well-being'