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Trends in effort at work in the UK

Author

Listed:
  • Jose Ignacio Gimenez-Nadal
  • Almudena Sevilla

Abstract

This article links detailed 24-h diary surveys in the UK for the last four decades, to provide evidence of an increase in work effort in three specific dimensions: timing, nature, and composition. We rule out certain proposed explanations of these trends, finding that the decrease in the frequency of on-the-job leisure is more pronounced for workers in routine task-intensive occupations. Alternative supply-side and demand-side explanations, such as changes in relative preferences for leisure, or an increase in off-shoring, or competition for jobs, cannot explain our results. Our findings suggest that the amount and frequency of on-the-job leisure can be used as a measure of work effort, and that the routine-biased technological changes experienced during this period lie at the root of the increase in work effort in the UK.

Suggested Citation

  • Jose Ignacio Gimenez-Nadal & Almudena Sevilla, 2024. "Trends in effort at work in the UK," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 76(3), pages 628-646.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxecpp:v:76:y:2024:i:3:p:628-646.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/oep/gpad043
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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