158: Humans First, with Rob Krecak

In 'Shorter', Alex Soojung-Kim Pang explores the concept of reducing work hours without sacrificing productivity. He presents case studies of companies that have successfully implemented shorter workweeks, such as four-day weeks or six-hour days, and provides a step-by-step guide using design thinking to help businesses adopt these models. The book argues that shorter workweeks can improve work-life balance, boost recruitment and retention, and make companies more sustainable.

In this book, Andrew Barnes presents a compelling case for the four-day work week as a solution to various ills of the 21st-century global economy. Drawing from an experiment conducted at his company, Perpetual Guardian, Barnes demonstrates how a four-day week can maintain productivity while improving worker happiness, health, and engagement. The book provides a step-by-step approach for businesses to adopt this model, using data from the Perpetual Guardian trial and other research sources. It addresses cultural, legislative, and practical considerations, highlighting benefits such as optimal productivity, work-life balance, and solutions to economic inequities like the gender pay gap and lack of diversity in business and governance.

The Five Minute Journal is a structured gratitude journal that guides users to focus on the positive aspects of their lives. It includes daily prompts, inspirational quotes, and weekly challenges to help users develop a habit of gratitude. The journal is undated, printed on sustainably sourced paper, and features a simple, easy-to-follow format that takes only 5 minutes to complete each day. It aims to improve mental wellbeing, relationships, and overall optimism by encouraging users to reflect on the good things in their lives.