The Case for Time Sovereignty

Synopsis

The work-life balance movement has successfully raised awareness about working time. But the number of hours worked is only half of the story. Control over working time is just as important. The more say workers have over their working time, the less stressed they feel and the more able they are to balance home and work. This report popularized the use of the term ‘time sovereignty’ to highlight the fact that for many workers the divide between work and life is not always clear-cut and the real issue is the ability to control time…Too few workers have this degree of control. Too few firms have recognised the competitive advantages of a time-sovereign staff. Changes in the nature of work create the opportunity for increased control for employees over the pattern of their day: It is about time.