Employment good for psychological well-being, but what is the minimum and maximum number of hours of paid employment per week to reap the benefits?

Abstract

Economists, computer scientists and engineers predict that artificial intelligence, machine learning and robots may very soon be able to do much of the paid work that is currently being done by humans. Psychologists have long documented how employment is associated with much higher levels of well being than unemployment, and we need to draw upon this knowledge in planning for the future where there is much less employment. One option is retain a high level of labour market participation, but at markedly reduced hours per week for workers. This seminar will examine the main psychological theories concerning well being and work, and consider the question: What is the minimum amount of paid work needed to gain the psychological benefits of work?