The Time Use Week 2026 (TUW), the thirteenth edition of the Week of Schedules and Time, focuses this year on the phenomenon of social acceleration and how the increasingly rapid pace of contemporary life affects our relationship with time. The event will use recent data on time use in Catalonia to promote debate.
With the participation of over 50 cities and 30 international experts, TUW aims to promote knowledge and the exchange of good practices in time policies to achieve a healthier, fairer, more egalitarian, and sustainable social organization. The inauguration will take place on October 19th at the Espai Francesca Bonnemaison in Barcelona, followed by more than 80 parallel events in Catalonia and internationally.
Today's society is characterized by an accelerated pace, where technological tools do not always translate into more personal time. This acceleration, often associated with progress, can lead to a persistent feeling of lack of time, exhaustion, and difficulties in disconnecting, affecting well-being, physical and mental health, social and gender inequalities, democratic participation, and organizational sustainability.
Data from the Catalan Survey of Time Use reveals that 54% of the Catalan population has difficulties balancing work, personal, and family life (56% women, 52% men). 77% of workers report working at high speed and under tight deadlines. Time poverty affects 32% of women and 25% of men, percentages that increase significantly among those with children.
TUW 2026 poses four key questions: how has the pace of life evolved, what role do digitalization and AI play, how can time use data be used for public policies, which time uses should be accelerated and which slowed down, and what solutions can be proposed by public administration, civil society, and businesses.
Catalonia positions itself as a benchmark territory in well-being and work-life balance policies. Data from the Catalonia 2024 Time Use Survey shows a reduction in gender gaps, although women still dedicate more time to household chores and caregiving. Over the last two decades, paid work and care time have decreased, while leisure time has increased.
The event also includes parallel activities in Catalonia and, for the first time, in Europe and Latin America, with talks, debates, film forums, and concrete actions. On October 20th, the General Assembly of the Local and Regional Time Network will be held, bringing together over 50 cities committed to time reorganization.
