How many hours should employees work? The debate over the optimal workweek spans questions of productivity, cost, and culture, but safety is often overlooked.
A study conducted by CRA’s Tanguy Brachet and co-authors at the Wharton School, cited in The Economist, shows why it matters. Examining the response times and patterns of care of paramedics in Mississippi, Dr. Brachet and his co-authors documented that performance during emergencies deteriorates toward the end of long shifts, with potentially fatal consequences. Their findings highlight a critical point: in certain contexts, longer hours can affect the quality of care and endanger lives.
Read the full article to see how research like Dr. Brachet’s informs the global debate on work, productivity, and safety.
