CPA Global Blog Creating a new normal that puts mental health first

Do you know where the term 9-5 comes from?It’s actually a hangover from the 19th century industrial revolution, when the textile manufacturer and reformist Robert Owen led the calls for workplace reform with the slogan ‘eight hours’ labour, eight hours’ recreation, eight hours’ rest.’ The point was to improve the health and wellbeing of factory workers who had long suffered many workplace abuses. That slogan is now more than 200 years old and the notion that the 9-5 still has any relevance at all is at times baffling, particularly when you consider that so many of us are tethered to our workplaces via our mobile phones (in some cases 24/7). The 9-5 has had its time then, but the principles behind Owen's slogan are more relevant now then ever before.