Why do we assume everyone should be working?

The author argues that the widespread assumption that everyone should work is economically unfounded and potentially harmful. Drawing on economic principles, the piece suggests that just as oil prices can go negative when supply exceeds demand, labor may similarly reach a point where the economy would benefit from paying some people to remain outside the workforce rather than forcing employment. Current tax and benefit systems are built on the assumption of full employment, but evidence suggests this approach has been economically detrimental for decades.