Everyone works more, but women are still in charge of being social

A recent report from The Conversation suggests that everyone now works a lot more than they should.

A long-term study conducted by Life Patterns tracked young adults aged 23 years old from 2011 until 2017, when they were 29 years old.

They found that on a whole, this group were working outside of standard hours: including nights, public holidays, and weekends. Only an average of 30% of the working force actually works the standard 9-5 shifts.

This means that 70% of the workforce works more than their standard hours!

Frankly, this is probably why most of us are struggling with stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Interestingly, the study notes that this translates to a change in social behaviour as well. Since most people are working at all kinds of odd hours, social bonds have become weaker.

Sitcoms like to portray a group of friends who always manage to meet up regularly as a part of life, but when has that ever happened for you without a lot of prior planning?

The study also notes that while there was a lot more planning done in messaging group chats, people are meeting less in person.

We’ve got a Whatsapp group and last week I just asked, ‘Is anyone free on Saturday?’. There’s been a few saying ‘Oh I could potentially do that.’ but nothing’s set in stone yet. Often when it actually comes around it doesn’t work out. There’s a lot of people who can’t, generally because of work commitments.

One of the study participants to The Conversation

It takes a lot more effort and luck to be able to meet up with friends and family while you give them 100% attention without needing to worry about work.

Many times, people will still do a bit of work even during social settings. (Yes, replying emails and participating in work group chats is, in fact, work!)

The study also notices that in an established relationship, the woman would often automatically take on the role of scheduling social gatherings that includes both her and her partner.

This includes scheduling with friends, family, or just chores.