How many hours do you think a workweek should have? (And what's the answer from big companies)
The standard we've known since Henry Ford's time is 40 hours a week.
However, today I came across this article:
Google – 60 hours a week is what it demands from its engineers.
TikTok – sometimes demands in China to work more due to "996 work culture" (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week)
I know it depends on the industry, but I can sometimes get something done in 5 hours and it's a better use of time than pretending for 3 hours that you do something.
Also, when I was at an advertising agency, a lot of my colleagues spent about 20% of their time having coffee or smoking. Sometimes it feels more like a certain number of hours are just socializing. 🤷♀️
Do you think that 40 hours/week is optimal or needs to be extended/reduced?
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Replies
Alta
The 40-hour workweek isn't a one-size-fits-all solution anymore. It's all about productivity, not hours spent in the office. If you can get more done in less time, why drag it out? The focus should shift to efficiency and results, not just clocking in hours. Work culture should adapt to that, rather than sticking to outdated standards.
minimalist phone: creating folders
I stand for this opinion too. To extend the time spend in the office can k*ll your potential, waste time and apathy to work.
Deamoy
I agree that productivity isn’t necessarily tied to the number of hours worked. It’s about efficiency, focus, and the value you bring in those hours. I’ve seen people achieve more in a 6-hour focused sprint than in a full 8-hour day of distractions. The idea of a set 40-hour workweek feels outdated in some industries where creativity and innovation thrive with flexibility. Personally, I believe the focus should be on results rather than time spent. However, some fields still rely heavily on hours worked, so a one-size-fits-all solution might not be ideal. It would be interesting to see more companies adopting flexible models tailored to their specific needs!
To be honest this really varies based on stages of life and how much you get done in a specified amount of time.
In addition to this you can get more done in less amount of time if you have really rested your brain well with good night of sleep.
However, there are other factors such as inherent passion, drive and dogged determination and grit to win that keeps you running.
More number of hours worked is not necessarily equal to much getting done.
minimalist phone: creating folders
Well said!
That's right, it's impossible for a person to stay focused for 8 hours straight, and I believe it's inefficient in terms of productivity. Also, I think commuting time should be included as work hours. After an 8-hour workday, when I get home, I have to eat dinner and sleep, leaving no time for self-development. 😪
minimalist phone: creating folders
You are my person! :D I hate commuting every day. It is so exhausting and you cannot give your 100% to your job. I am more productive at home :)
Interesting convo. The time question is important, but I’ve noticed it’s less about hours and more about mental clutter.
Most teams I talk to are losing hours every week not to “work".. but to organizing the work.
That’s what we’re building around: clearing that layer with an AI EA that thinks ahead.
Curious if anyone’s tracked how much time they spend just getting context?
minimalist phone: creating folders
I track my time for clients and meetings are only a minor amount of time spent over them. Really try to focus on working, not yapping :)