“Working 9 to 5”
Yes: I stole the title from the movie and the musical based on Dolly Parton’s hit song!
It was originally was written as a response to the disadvantage toward women in the workplace.
Flo and I were the guests at the final performance at the Chemainus Theatre on Sunday afternoon. Not realizing it our host(s) commented about "how I may or may not perceive (literal or not) theological observations" from the musical.
You guessed it!
First, some research on the once standardized workweek.
The ideal was 9-5, five days a week to produce a 40-hour workweek.
I was surprised to learn some history of the working hours for laborers. In the 1800’s, the standard was more like 70 hours a week, except for the blast furnace workers. For them, it was more like 84 hours a week.
Then along came Henry Ford, the first to introduce the eight-hour-a-day, five-day workweek.
Time moves on.
We now have a variety of work schedules based on the varying economics and labor-related situations and trends. One economic generator is the age of electronics, and the need to respond to global financial, weather, and political situations instantaneously.
Worked into the mix is the variety of labor contracts around the world. We are governed (in many cases) by “a world economy”. Add into this mix, the history behind Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” song, movie, and musical theatre production. The song was a pick-up from the “9 to 5” organization (founded in 1973) to bring about fair pay and equal treatment for women in the workplace. These issues continue today at home and abroad for women, and minorities.
Why might the Church be concerned?
A 30-year study indicates that working “non-standardized work schedules” early on in life can often lead to worse health years later. Studies have consistently shown that “non-standard work schedules”—working outside the traditional 9-to-5 workday—can negatively impact physical and mental health, as well as social, and family life.
Personally, I will be interested in any future research that focuses on “flexible work schedules in the post-COVID era” and “the positive vs negative effect(s) in peoples’ lives”.
Other studies have indicated the impact on people in their time for relaxation and spiritual lives. This is why the Church should be concerned.
In the theatre production of “9 to 5” the social impact on peoples’ lives emblazoned to the forefront.
Should the church be concerned?
My answer: “You bet!”
Blessings,
Archdeacon Brian
