If earnings were capped, the work week might slacken some. If a CEO and execs won't get more out of it, they can only grow the company with the extra productivity, but won't care as much if it doesn't make them wealthier. However, as long as full-time is 40 hours per week, and that's when benefits kick in, there's not much chance a boss is going to ask you to work less. Personally, I think a 32 hour work week would suffice, and probably would lead to a healthier society. However, it should be said that not all jobs allow you to put in 8 hours at a time in any meaningful way. As far as research goes, I am busy some days, not busy others. The work involves a lot of moving parts that results in peaks and lulls. Work is a social construct. The need for productivity is not 40 man-hours per week times the population. Not even close.