Recent data from Iceland shows that working fewer hours doesn’t mean reduced output. In fact, “Iceland’s economy is outperforming most European peers after the nationwide introduction of a shorter working week with no loss in pay.” This challenges our assumptions about the relationship between time spent working and productivity. What if academics could apply this insight to create space for high-value academic work, by setting aside a scholarship day each week?

Breaking the cycle

Many academics find themselves caught in a cycle of teaching, administration, and meetings, with their own scholarship perpetually pushed to the margins. The typical response is to work longer hours, often sacrificing evenings and weekends. But what if we could work differently rather than simply working more?

The concept of a “scholarship day” draws inspiration from companies like Google, where employees dedicate 20% of their time to experimental projects. For academics, this could mean protecting one day each week specifically for scholarly pursuits – reading, writing, thinking, and creating. If the research is correct and you could work fewer hours for the same output, what would you do with the extra time?

Making the ‘scholarship day’ work

Here’s how you might reimagine your work week:

• Choose a consistent day: Select a day that typically has fewer teaching commitments or meetings. Protect this time fiercely.
• Communicate boundaries: Let colleagues know this is your dedicated scholarship time. Be clear that you’re still working, just on different priorities.
• Define “scholarship” broadly: This isn’t just about writing papers. Include reading, conceptual work, creative thinking, and exploring new ideas.
• Start small: Begin with a half-day if a full day feels overwhelming. What matters is creating regular, protected time for deep work.
• Focus on outputs that matter: Use this time for work that builds your scholarly identity and contributes to your field, not just what’s urgent.

Benefits for institutions

While dedicating a day to scholarship might initially seem like a reduction in conventional working hours, the institutional benefits are compelling. When academics have protected time for deep work, departments might see increased research outputs, stronger funding applications, and more innovative teaching approaches informed by current scholarship. This focused time leads to higher-quality publications and enhanced institutional reputation.

Moreover, well-rested academics with sustainable working patterns are less likely to experience burnout, reducing staff turnover and associated recruitment costs. Consider also that academics who feel supported in their scholarly pursuits tend to be more engaged in other aspects of academic life, contributing more meaningfully to departmental initiatives and student supervision. Rather than losing productivity, institutions gain faculty members who are more focused, creative, and committed when they are working.

The key is viewing this protected time not as a luxury or time off, but as a core part of academic practice. Just as we wouldn’t skip teaching preparation, we shouldn’t sacrifice the scholarly work that advances our fields and develops our expertise.

Remember, working fewer hours doesn’t mean producing less – it often means producing better work because you’re giving your most important projects the focused attention they deserve.

Choose calm productivity over constant activity. Your best scholarly work emerges not from working longer, but from creating space for deep thinking and creative exploration.

Want to make space for meaningful scholarly work without working nights and weekends? The Time Management for Academics course shows you how. Get started today.