The Work-Habit Premium: How Daily Routines Predict CEO Remuneration in the S&P 500

Michael Jan Kendzia (), Cyrill Diaz de la Rosa and Jeremy Dela Cruz
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Michael Jan Kendzia: Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
Cyrill Diaz de la Rosa: Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
Jeremy Dela Cruz: Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)

No 17929, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: This study explores the relationship between the daily habits of S&P 500 CEOs and their financial remuneration. Using a mixed-method approach, the research analyzes time allocation across work, sleep, and exercise among 22 CEOs from leading publicly listed U.S. corporations. Regression analysis evaluates how these habits correlate with annual salaries, supported by a comparative survey of 89 non-S&P 500 CEOs. Our findings reveal a statistically significant positive association between working hours and base salary, suggesting that longer working days may contribute to financial success. Conversely, no significant links were found between salary and duration of sleep or physical exercise duration. The study highlights that while multiple factors shape executive remuneration, work ethic remains the most predictive. The article provides new empirical evidence for the influence of habitual behavior on executive performance and underscores the relevance of structured daily routines in high-level corporate roles.

Keywords: work-life balance; time allocation; executive compensation; CEO habits; behavioral economics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D91 G11 G34 M12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-fmk
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