‘World Nothing Day’, first proposed by author Harold Coffin, has been celebrated on January 16 every year since 1973. This special day aims to get away from the daily hustle and bustle by offering people the opportunity for inactivity, silence and relaxation.
According to research by B2Press, people spend a significant part of their lives, exactly 40 years, that is, one out of every four hours, working. More than half of the employees desire a work environment where they can balance work and life, and at the same time express the need for periods of time where they can laze.
While 71% of women and 58% of men reject a life spent in intense work tempo, they demand to improve work-life balance and increase well-being by 2024. According to the information obtained, working long hours without rest is among the main factors that negatively affect the personal health of individuals.
There is a Need for Hours to Do Nothing
According to data shared by the OECD Better Life Index, 10% of individuals in OECD countries, including Turkey, work more than 50 hours a week. In this ratio, the country with the highest working hours is Mexico with 27%, while Turkey ranks second with 25%. However, it is also noted that very long working hours reduce well-being and productivity levels because the more people work, the less time they can devote to other activities such as personal care, activity or rest.
According to research by the Online PR Service, the free time of full-time employees in Turkey remains below the 15-hour OECD standard. Employees, who can organize their daily lives in only 14.6 hours, spend this time to meet their basic needs such as sleeping and eating. It becomes very difficult to fit personal activities such as socializing, engaging in hobbies, and spending time with family and friends into this limited time period. Additionally, time spent in traffic steals from rest hours.
Throughout Turkey and around the world, many employees need hours where they do nothing, not only to rest and have fun, but also to protect their mental health and reduce stress levels. This situation highlights the difficulties employees face in establishing life balance and using their limited free time more efficiently.
Flexible Working Models Are Desired to be Supported
56% of employees globally say they are willing to change jobs for a lower wage in order to achieve a better work-life balance. 62% of those surveyed say they would consider moving to a new job if they had a choice, and that their decision would be based on the frequency of time they spend in the office. Employees who do not have this opportunity demand a more flexible working model from their current employers, because they think that the time they can spare for themselves can increase their productivity.
However, when these flexibility opportunities are not provided, some of the young professionals, especially from the Z and Y generations, express that they feel exhausted and disconnected in their workplaces. Pointing out that this situation is caused by stress and anxiety, young professionals demand that a more balanced approach be adopted in their business lives and that work environments, especially flexible working models, be supported. This stands out as a call to arms about the expectations of modern employees and the changing dynamics in the business world.
How to Celebrate Nothing Day?
World Nothing Day offers people a valuable opportunity for inactivity, silence and relaxation. This special day allows people to focus on their own needs and get away from the busy pace of life for a moment. People can spend this day reading a book, meditating, walking in nature or simply relaxing in a quiet environment. These simple and peaceful activities further reinforce the meaning of World Nothing Day.
World Nothing Day celebrations are usually low-key and personal, and people can spend the day engaging in hobbies they love or watching a movie they enjoy together. This day offers an opportunity to get away from the complexities of life, relieve stress and find inner peace. Celebrated on January 16, World Nothing Day gives people a chance to balance their lives and enjoy simple pleasures.
