The 8-hour workday is a remnant of the industrial age, and it came about in part because it made for a snappy labor-rights slogan: “Eight hours labor, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.” For millions of people, the information age has different requirements.

Why do we need to work 8 hours a day?

The eight-hour workday was created during the industrial revolution as an effort to cut down on the number of hours of manual labor that workers were forced to endure on the factory floor. ... Like our ancestors, we're expected to put in eight-hour days, working in long, continuous blocks of time, with few or no breaks.

Is working 8 hours a day healthy?

Being in the office for more than 8 hours a day is associated with poorer overall health an with a 40% higher risk of developing heart disease or stress related diseases. ... Some research goes so far as to say that working more than 8 hours a day sitting at an office is as bad for health as smoking tobacco.

Is 8 hours too much?

Sleep needs can vary from person to person, but in general, experts recommend that healthy adults get an average of 7 to 9 hours per night of shuteye. If you regularly need more than 8 or 9 hours of sleep per night to feel rested, it might be a sign of an underlying problem, Polotsky says.

Is 8 hours of work too much?

Eight hours is too long to spend at work. Recent research says so. The 8-hour workday has been the norm for more than a century, but employee surveys suggest that most people are truly productive only for about three hours every day.

Why a Typical Work Day is 8 Hours Long

24 related questions found

Does 8 hour work day include breaks?

Under California law, non-exempt employees are entitled to one unpaid 30-minute meal break, and two paid 10-minute rest breaks, during a typical 8-hour shift. Employees must receive their off-duty meal breaks before the end of the fifth hour of work.

Is the 8 hour work day productive?

The 8-hour workday is an outdated and ineffective approach to work. If you want to be as productive as possible, you need to let go of this relic and find a new approach. ... Like our ancestors, we're expected to put in 8-hour days, working in long, continuous blocks of time, with few or no breaks.

Who came up with an 8 hour work day?

In 1926, as many history scholars know, Henry Ford — possibly influenced by US labor unions — instituted an eight-hour work day for some of his employees. Because of Ford's stature, the move stimulated a national discussion.

How do you survive an 8 hour shift?

Table of Contents hide

1. 1.1 Wake Up Earlier.
2. 1.2 Don't Sleep Right Away.
3. 1.3 Pack Your Own Snacks.
4. 1.4 Get Enough Sleep.
5. 1.5 Take Better Breaks.
6. 1.6 Stay Connected to Your Friends.
7. 1.7 Don't Be Afraid to Vent.
8. 1.8 Complete That Daunting Task First.

What was the impact of the introduction of the eight-hour day?

This brought the employers to the negotiating table and led to an agreement whereby stonemasons worked no more than an eight-hour day. It was the first of a long, hard-fought series of victories that led to Australia having one of the most progressive labour environments in the world by the early 20th century.

Does anyone actually work 8 hours?

That's right--you're probably only productive for around three hours a day. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American works 8.8 hours every day. Yet a study of nearly 2,000 full-time office workers revealed that most people aren't working for most of the time they're at work.

How can I stay focused for working 8 hours?

Here are some strategies that can help you stay focused, even as the work week drags on.

• Take Breaks Regularly. Working for 8, 10, or 12 hours straight (or more) can be a grind. ...
• Don't Be Afraid to Take a Nap. ...
• Treat Your Mind and Body Right. ...
• Avoid Distractions. ...
• Prioritize Your Tasks.

What is the best work schedule?

A 9-to-5 work schedule is as close to standard as can be. This is considered the typical work week for most people. They start at 9 in the morning (though some may come in a bit earlier or later on some days) and they generally leave around 5 p.m.

Is a normal work day 8 or 9 hours?

The typical work day is around 8 hours. But how did we come up with that? The answer is hidden in the tidings of the Industrial revolution. In the late 18^th century, when companies started to maximize the output of their factories, getting to running them 24/7 was key.

What is a normal 8 hour work day?

Most people would say 9 to 5, which makes sense—that's the traditional 8-hour workday. ... Quick math calculates that when an employee works on weekdays for 8 hours each day, 5 days a week, they work 40 hours.

Does 8 hours a day include lunch?

Most places in the US don't count lunch. 8-5 or 9-6 are normal 8 hour days, or 8:30-5 if you take a 30m lunch.

What is the hardest shift to work?

A rotation in the opposite direction is the toughest. Taking a nap before you go on the third shift, or during "lunch" break on second or third shift, can help you stay alert. If you work a fixed second or third shift, you'll sleep better if you keep the same schedule on your days off.

Is working 10 hours a day too much?

Working more than 10 hours a day is associated with a 60 percent jump in risk of cardiovascular issues. ... Working more than 40 hours a week is associated with increased alcohol and tobacco consumption, as well as unhealthy weight gain in men and depression in women. Little productive work occurs after 50 hours per week.

What is the most common work shift?

The most common full-time work schedule is a variant of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, adding up to 40 hours per week. While most full-time work schedules are normally the same shift each day, in some cases (like retail), shifts can vary, but the number of hours will still add up to 35-40 per week.

How many productive hours is an 8-hour day?

Researchers suggest that in an eight-hour day, the average worker is only productive for two hours and 53 minutes. You thought you were lazy? Congratulations and good news: the rest of humanity is probably far worse than you.

How many hours the brain can be focused?

The human brain is able to focus up to two hours, after which it needs a 20-30 minute break. The average American spends about 9 hours a day at work. According to the NeuroLeadership Institute, work focus equals about 6 hours a week.

How can I improve concentration?

1. Train your brain. Playing certain types of games can help you get better at concentrating. ...
2. Get your game on. Brain games may not be the only type of game that can help improve concentration. ...
3. Improve sleep. ...
4. Make time for exercise. ...
5. Spend time in nature. ...
6. Give meditation a try. ...
7. Take a break. ...
8. Listen to music.

Who brought about the 8 hour work day in India?

Manager Wu Jingyi reasoned: “All of the factories now have a 12-hour work schedule. Workers are all exhausted and do not have time to take care of their families. In case of workers getting sick, the business also suffers. Therefore we decided to start trying the eight-hour working day”.

Does working less hours increase productivity?

These results suggest that when long working hours are reduced, individual productivity increases, and fewer mistakes are made at work. This might happen because workers recover from fatigue and arrive for work with increased energy and focus.

Who invented the 5 day work week?

In 1926, Henry Ford, the man at the helm of the Ford Motor Company, shut down his seven-day automotive factories for two days a week — giving rise to the foundation of the five-day workweek in North America.