The Surprising Truth: How Many Hours Does The Average Person Work Per Week?
As the world rapidly changes and technology continues to advance, the line between work and personal life seems to be blurring. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate worker, a freelancer or a student, you might wonder how many hours the average person works per week.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the average person in the developed world spends around 8 hours per day, or 40 hours per week, on paid work. This does not include unpaid work such as household chores or caring for family members.
However, it’s important to note that the number of hours worked per week can vary greatly depending on the country, industry and job position. For instance, in the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) stipulates that employees who are non-exempt must be paid overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a week. Nonetheless, some industries and professions have an unwritten rule of working overtime without extra pay.
Although some people believe working long hours shows dedication and commitment, studies have shown that working excessive hours can lead to physical and mental health issues. In fact, France has set a legal 35-hour workweek in an effort to reduce stress and improve work-life balance.
Furthermore, a study by Stanford University found that productivity decreases sharply when the workweek exceeds 50 hours, and that worker health and safety potentially suffer. It’s also worth mentioning that people who work 55 or more hours per week have a 33% higher risk of stroke and a 13% higher risk of developing heart disease.
In conclusion, while the average person works around 40 hours per week, the number of hours can vary greatly depending on the country, industry and job position. Although some people believe working long hours shows dedication, studies have shown that excessive work hours can lead to health issues and decreased productivity. To avoid these consequences, it’s important to practice and advocate for work-life balance.
