What is the Ideal Working Hour?

In today's fast-paced world, putting in long hours at work is frequently associated with success and productivity. According to new psychology research and studies, the ideal amount of hours individuals should work a day may be far fewer than the standard eight-hour workday. Knowing how many hours to work is a good way to boost productivity and increase general well-being.

How did this 8-hour workday come into being? During the Industrial Revolution, when manufacturing workers may work up to 16 hours a day, the eight-hour workday originated. The eight-hour standard was adopted due to labour groups' advocacy for shorter workweeks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At the time, this was a huge advance that attempted to strike a balance between work, play, and personal life.

Research in psychology has demonstrated that our levels of productivity and cognitive function vary throughout the day. According to the theory of ultradian rhythms, our brains require a break after 90 to 120 minutes of intense concentration. Exceeding these inherent boundaries may result in reduced productivity and elevated levels of anxiety.

Prominent psychologist Dr K. Anders Ericsson, who is well-known for his studies on peak performance, discovered that productive individuals, including professional musicians and sportsmen, frequently practice or work in concentrated bursts of four to five hours each day. This research implies that for the majority of tasks requiring profound cognitive involvement, strong, prolonged attention beyond this point is neither required nor advantageous.

Numerous studies have examined the effects of work schedules on health and productivity:

Stanford University:  When someone works more than 50 hours a week, their production per hour drastically decreases. Working more than 55 hours is essentially pointless due to the sharp decline in productivity that occurs after that point.

Swedish Experiment: Research conducted in Sweden with a six-hour working revealed that workers were more content, less anxious, and more efficient. Without sacrificing productivity, the shortened weekday led to fewer sick days and improved general health.

Results of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): OECD research indicates that nations with lower average workweeks often have greater hourly output. For example, productivity is consistently high in nations like the Netherlands and Germany, where the typical workweek is less than forty hours.

Finding the ideal work-life balance between productivity and physical and emotional well-being is crucial. This may be accomplished by implementing a timetable that consists of concentrated work intervals interspersed with breaks, like the Pomodoro Technique, which calls for 25 minutes of work and a 5-minute rest. Efficiency is increased by giving high-priority work precedence in the late morning when production is at its highest. Encouraging flexible work schedules helps people balance their professional and personal obligations, which boosts output and job satisfaction. Furthermore, making sure you have enough time to unwind and rest promotes mental healing, which enhances creativity and problem-solving skills.