Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • Article
  • Current Opinion in Psychology

Making Seconds Count: When Valuing Time Promotes Subjective Well-being

By: Alice Lee-Yoon and A.V. Whillans
  • Format:Print
ShareBar

Abstract

Time is a finite and precious resource, and the way that we value our time can critically shape happiness. In this article, we present a conceptual framework to explain when valuing time can enhance vs. undermine well-being. Specifically, we review the emotional benefits of valuing time more than money and discuss the emotional costs of valuing time like money. Lastly, we suggest directions for future research examining the causes and consequences of the value that people place on their time.

Keywords

Time; Happiness; Welfare; Money; Value; Well-being

Citation

Lee-Yoon, Alice, and A.V. Whillans. "Making Seconds Count: When Valuing Time Promotes Subjective Well-being." Current Opinion in Psychology 26 (April 2019): 54–57.
  • Find it at Harvard
  • Read Now

About The Author

Ashley V. Whillans

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • March 2025 (Revised May 2025)
    • Faculty Research

    ING Türkiye: Flexible Work in a Competitive Banking Environment

    By: Ashley Whillans and Nico Schaefer
    • January 2025
    • Compensation & Benefits Review

    Overcoming Barriers to Employee Ownership: Insights from Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

    By: John Guzek and Ashley Whillans
    • October 18, 2024
    • Harvard Business Review Digital Articles

    Why Workplace Well-Being Programs Don’t Achieve Better Outcomes

    By: Jazz Croft, Acacia Parks and Ashley Whillans
More from the Authors
  • ING Türkiye: Flexible Work in a Competitive Banking Environment By: Ashley Whillans and Nico Schaefer
  • Overcoming Barriers to Employee Ownership: Insights from Small and Medium-Sized Businesses By: John Guzek and Ashley Whillans
  • Why Workplace Well-Being Programs Don’t Achieve Better Outcomes By: Jazz Croft, Acacia Parks and Ashley Whillans
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.