Our traditional job model is becoming more outdated by the day. Technology and processes evolve all the time, steadily changing the face of the modern workplace.

In theory, all that advancement should make our lives easier. In my own experience, quite the opposite is true. Unless you’re lucky enough to have your dream job, or you’re one of the lucky few independently wealthy individuals, chances are you really feel you earned that glass of wine Friday night.

Luckily, some discoveries are just the kind of breakthroughs we need to hear on a Friday afternoon, as we struggle to stay focused on finishing out a tedious and exhausting week. Recent studies have revealed a fact that renders yet another aspect of our traditional job system outdated. Personally, I’m all for adjusting the corporate standard to accommodate this particular find.

Evidence now shows that the 40-hour workweek, long held as the standard for full-time status, creates a gradual cycle of increasing chronic fatigue. Not even including any overtime, we already overwork ourselves with just a regular full-time job.

Across several studies, the 32-hour workweek time and again proved itself ideal for maximizing productivity per week. A well-rested mind and body can produce both superior quality and quantity of work, reducing the actual number of hours required to complete the same job.

So much for the theory of more overtime getting more done. Take that, HR.

For my part, the 32-hour week seems to get even better the longer I practice it. My energy level has skyrocketed, and my focus and creativity have never been sharper. I might even enjoy the wait until retirement. In my own office, I’ve completed validated the evidence, and have seen impressive results in overall productivity and work quality.

Check out the infographic here, and take hope. The trend toward the mythical 3-day workweek grows by the day!