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Friday Figures: The 40-hour Work Week?
This week's workforce stat is about the number of hours we're all working. I thought this was appropriate as we're heading into Labor Day weekend.
Our recent survey of more than 3,000 workers shows that we are working about 44 hours per week on average. That number hasn't changed much in the last 10 years - but with continued gains in productivity, it certainly means we are doing more in that time. Is the number surprising to you?
I will confess that I work more than 44 hours - sometimes way more to be exact. And trust me, that's not because I want to, but simply because I have to in order to keep my head above water.
I'm not alone, either - 12% of workers say they work more than 51 hours a week. That's a huge number when you consider that there are 140 million of us working.
Over the past year or so, I have really tried to cut down on the amount of extra time I spend at work, though. And it's worked for the most part. I've been most successful in reducing the hours by making specific plans after work. That way, I force myself to leave.
Do you find yourself working a lot of hours? Have you been successful in reducing your hours? If so, how?
Enjoy your long weekend and recharge those batteries.
Posted by Kip Havel on August 31, 2007 at 5:54 PM
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Comments
I couldn't agree that people probably work more than 40 hours a week-- and many don't even realize that they do.
I asked for a reduced hour, flexible work schedule that was suppose to be based on a 20 hours per week-- and you know it never works that way--- not if you really want to get things done and get them done right. (not that I am complaining, I am happy my employer let me do it)
But I think the real issue that causes so much "extra time" is technology-- being always connected-- and the expectation that everything is received and answered with the push of a button-- makes us all work extra hours just to keep up.
In fact this weekend, on a road trip with my family I found myself answering emails from my treo-
never would have happen in the past!
Posted by Lisa on September 4, 2007 12:26 PM
I would beg to differ. People talk about working 50 or even 80 hours a week but the details of what they say and traffic patterns tell a different story. It's not uncommon for an "80 hour a week" person to have trouble making it to a 9:00 am meeting but they don't have trouble making it to a 6:00 pm happy hour. I pay attention and I am sure that most people would have trouble validating a 40 hour work week.
Posted by Tom Barr on September 17, 2007 2:28 AM
I think Tom and Lisa make valid points. Technology doesn't really make our lives easier, just easier to work when you used to be "off the clock." I agree there are others who claim the 80 hr work week, however it's difficult for others to account for that time. The key there is "for others to account for." Only their boss should be worrying about that stuff.
Having a boss whose attitude is one of "As long as the work is done and done right" is really the best anyone can hope for. In many cases, those extended hour folks may just have time management deficiencies. It can be a full time job just trying to figure out what has to be done first, second and third and then how to properly juggle those when something new pops up. I'm afraid that between technophobes, clock-watchers, workaholics and procrastinators, those weekly averages aren't going to come down any time soon.
Posted by Mike Normann on September 17, 2007 11:26 AM
Of course I know what I am being paid in my temporary position. The company I have been placed with is planning on making an offer of fulltime employment. What can I assume is a fair offer, not knowing what they are paying the staffing agency for me? Please help ASAP!
Posted by stevie on September 19, 2007 4:51 PM