The case for a one-day working week; a handy tip for making decisions, and more top insights

What’s happening in the world of work: The Saturday edition of the Daily Rundown highlights the business trends, perspectives, and hot topics you need to know to work smarter. Read on and join the conversation.

Should we be working one day a week? To gain the emotional benefits from holding down a job, you just need to work eight hours a week, according to research published in the journal Social Science and Medicine. Unemployment has previously been tied to mental health problems, with researchers suggesting that the social contact and structure of work can aid emotional wellness. This study, which surveyed 71,000 people, found that those benefits don’t increase beyond eight hours of work. The findings could prove useful as automation threatens to reduce working hours and displace some workers entirely. ? Here’s what people are saying.

To make decisions, consider the ‘90% rule’: Should you take that job offer or remain where you are? Attend that work event or stay home? Some yes or no decisions can feel insurmountable. In those cases, give author Greg McKeown’s  “90% rule” a shot. If you’re 75% sure you want to go out on Saturday, allow yourself to stay home. Only a 50% on taking on a new freelance assignment? Skip it. Such a rule can help you assess what you truly desire, and it keeps you from suffering over choices for too long. ? Here’s what people are saying.

You Asked: “I feel I am nearing the age where I need to decide whether to continue my career as a contractor or make the move into a permanent position and ‘start the climb.’ I have weighed the pros and cons from both sides and they appear to be pretty evenly weighted. Any thoughts?” — Brendon P., London-based senior business analyst

• “Your question assumes that a move back into a permanent role will be straightforward. Even so, it’s an important step and places a clear marker on your CV. Timing is probably important – if this is a window of opportunity that might not be there in two years, look at it carefully. If the choice is really between two evenly balanced futures, look at your reason for asking the question. What’s missing? Why are you interested in making a change? Lifestyle? Security? Building more solid work relationships? If you can find a way to deliver these outcomes in contract work, the need for change may disappear.” — John Lees, author of “How to Get a Job You Love”

Looking for career advice from the pros? Submit your questions in the comments with #YouAsked and we’ll take care of the rest.

Want honesty from employees? Watch your words: For managers looking to encourage employees to express their views, watching how you respond to suggestions and ideas can go a very long way, according to new research from Rice University’s Danielle King. Rejecting an employee’s idea doesn’t have to be discouraging. It’s all about the delivery, King found. When managers take the time to offer sensitive explanations for the rejection, employees are more likely to come back with future ideas. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Why we should all get some fresh air: People who spend at least two hours a week outdoors were 20% more likely to claim that they were satisfied with their lives than their more sedentary counterparts, according to research published in Nature Scientific Reports. The outdoorsy among us are also 60% more likely to report that they are in good physical health. Such benefits are on par with doing the recommended amount of weekly physical exercise or living in a wealthier neighborhood, The Washington Post reports. ? Here’s what people are saying.

One last idea: Many of us get caught in an achievement trap, where we believe our past accomplishments are proof that things can, even must, only get better for us. But former American Enterprise Institute President Arthur Brooks writes that it’s critical we make the time to appreciate — and internalize — the good we have done thus far.

“The biggest mistake professionally successful people make is attempting to sustain peak accomplishment indefinitely. This is impossible. The key is to enjoy accomplishments for what they are in the moment, and to walk away perhaps before I am completely ready — but on my own terms.”

What's your take? Join the conversations on today's stories in the comments.

— Scott Olster