1 Introduction 2
1.2 Topic Introduction 3
2 Interviews 3
2.1 Interview Aim 3
2.2 Interview Method 3
3 Results and Data Analysis 3
3.1 Main Findings 3
3.2 Similarities 3
3.3 Disparities 3
3.3 Personas 4
3.4 Key Insights 4
4 Background information 5
4.1 The Crux 5
4.2 Long Hours Defined 5
4.3 Historical View of Long Work Hours 5
4.4 The Effects of Long Working Hours 6
4.4.1 Stress 6
4.4.2 Work-life Balance 6
4.4.3 Lack of Exercise and Sleep 7
5 HMW Question 7
5.1 Development of HMW Question 7
5.2 The Final HMW Question: 7
6 Articulation of Opportunity 7
7 References 7
8 Appendices 9
Figure 1: Graphical representation of interview findings. 3
Figure 2: Proportion of full-time workers working 50 hours or more per week 4
Figure 3: Distribution of full-time hours worked per week 4
1 Introduction
It is a true art to establish a lifestyle where every single piece fits perfectly in the puzzle of activities. This is especially the case when living in a society where constantly improving performance is highly regarded in order to achieve a successful career. People often find themselves in a conundrum, when having to choose between work and life as both sides must be given attention in order for a sense of balance. This report documents the research process of why long working hours can be a problem in a contemporary society. The report begins with the initial problem of oversleeping which is elaborated upon in the data analysis by using empirical interviews ethnographical methods; empathy map, personas and groupings. Through the data analysis process users and insights were formed and the problem of oversleeping thereby shaped the new problem statement; overworking. In the background information, secondary data, news articles and academic journal articles are used to support the fact that long working hours impose a negative impact on workers……
Go through the report, introducing what happens till conclusion.
What is the problem? What is the size and scope of the problem? Where and when is it a problem? For whom is it a problem? Why is it important and interesting to solve this problem?
1.2 Topic Introduction
I have never experienced oversleeping being too much of a problem in my everyday-to-day life. However, when I do find myself sleeping through the alarm it can affect my mind-set for the rest of that day. This realization made me curious to see if other's reactions and actions when experiencing oversleeping were similar to mine.
2 Interviews
2.1 Interview Aim
The aim of this report is to verify whether sleeping in is an actual problem. The interviews seek to uncover further background information to the dilemma of oversleeping.
2.2 Interview Method
The research process started with face-to-face interviews involving a total of ten participants in ages between fourteen and sixty whereof half were students and the other half were full-time workers. I asked each interviewee to put themselves in the following scenario:
“You go to bed a little bit too late, setting your alarm to allow you enough time to get ready for school, work or an appointment in the morning. When you wake up the next morning and look at your alarm clock you realise you have slept in and won’t be able to get ready on time.”
When I had set the scenery of the interview I asked each individual the exact same questions. The results of the interviews provided answers I expected but a few of them I would never have thought of prior to the interviews.
3 Results and Data Analysis
3.1 Main Findings
The results that derived from the interviews showed that participants were in agreement in areas such as feeling stressed, panic, anxiety, dealing with the consequences and sensation of embarrassment as actions and reactions when oversleeping. These reoccurring thoughts, feelings and emotions can be seen in the Empathy Map provided in Appendices. The Empathy Map is created with responses and body language from four interviewed individuals exposing their