How Many Hours Should a Person Work in a Week: Balancing Productivity and Well-being
The number of hours one should work per week is a topic that has been debated for years, influenced by various factors such as personal preferences, work-life balance, job requirements, and individual circumstances. While there is no universal rule, most experts and organizations recommend that a full-time job typically involves between 35-40 hours per week. This range is considered ideal as it strikes a balance between productivity and well-being.
Personal-Based Recommendations
Type of work plays a significant role in determining the appropriate number of hours one should work in a week. For instance, an entrepreneur like myself a few years ago believed in working 100-110 hours per week when running my own company. However, now that I work for a large established company, I find that 40 hours is more than sufficient. The amount of hours you can effectively work depends on the nature of your job and your personal preference.
Client-Based Expectations
The minimum number of hours required by the majority of clients who contract with us is 15 hours. This can increase if the business is open on weekends, which may require spreading the requirement over two days. These expectations often reflect the client's needs and the nature of the project or service being provided.
Flexibility of Employment
Flexibility in determining work hours is sometimes dependent on the job itself. A full-time student, for example, might not consider their academic commitments as work, and a well-paid job might only require 6 hours of work per week. However, finding the right job where you can enjoy a reasonable work-life balance is crucial for long-term satisfaction and productivity.
Labor Laws and Company Policies
While there is no universally applicable law, the number of hours one can work is often governed by company policies. For instance, my role restricts me to working only up to 29 hours per week, with more hours potentially leading to mandatory insurance benefits. The strictness of these policies varies by country, with the United States being particularly stringent about limiting the working hours of lower-level employees to avoid the costs associated with providing benefits.
Country-Specific Norms
The number of working hours can also vary significantly by country. In Australia, for instance, the 40-hour workweek was a common norm that I had no issue with. However, there has been a push for change, as working fewer hours at a higher hourly rate tends to increase the cost of goods and services, making it more difficult to afford necessities.
The Impact of Overtime and Additional Responsibilities
However, for some jobs, 40 hours may not be enough to meet the demands of the position. Special projects, emergencies, or additional responsibilities may necessitate working more than the standard 40 hours. Personally, I have been known to work 12-hour weekends and 12-hour days, but with a clear understanding that the end results are essential. The key is to align the desired outcomes with both personal and professional goals.
Empowerment and Control
Ultimately, the number of hours one works can be driven by the end results they want to achieve. For employees, it's important to align your work hours with the goals set by your employer, while also having the flexibility to control and prioritize your time effectively. Being strategic about defining and achieving these results can help strike a balance between productivity and well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and sustainable work life.