Working time
Paid labor period regulated by law, varying globally.
Working time, also known as laboring time, is the period a person spends at paid labor, excluding unpaid work such as housework or childcare. It is regulated by law in many countries, with standard working hours typically ranging from 35 to 60 hours per week globally, and has declined substantially in advanced economies over the past century.
- Definition
- Period of paid labor, excluding unpaid work
- Typical standard hours
- 40–44 hours per week worldwide
- Lowest average weekly hours
- Netherlands (27 hours), France (30 hours)
- Highest maximum hours
- Up to 60 hours per week in Bhutan
Lore & Background
Working time has been a subject of regulation and debate for centuries. The Industrial Revolution led to work schedules as long as 12 to 16 hours per day, six to seven days per week, as employers sought to maximize returns on expensive machinery. Over the 20th century, work hours shortened by almost half, driven by rising wages, trade unions, collective bargaining, and progressive legislation.
Reader's Guide
Working time is significant because it directly affects economic productivity, worker health, and quality of life. The article notes that in advanced economies, working hours have declined while labor productivity and real wages have increased. The structure of the workweek varies by culture and profession, with the traditional American '9-to-5' representing a 40-hour week. Debates continue over further reductions, with proposals for a 21-hour or even 15-hour workweek, citing benefits such as reduced unemployment, lower carbon emissions, and improved well-being. The Netherlands became the first industrialized country where the average workweek dropped below 30 hours in the mid-2000s.
Did You Know?
- Hunter-gatherer societies were estimated to work less than five hours per day on average.
- The Netherlands was the first industrialized country where the average workweek fell below 30 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Working time actually cover?
Working time refers specifically to the hours someone spends doing compensated labor, and it deliberately leaves out unpaid activities like childcare or household chores. Most nations have legal frameworks that set boundaries around how much paid work a person can be required to do.
What's the typical standard week under Working time rules?
Across the globe, the norm for a standard paid work week generally falls between 40 and 44 hours. However, individual countries set their own caps, with some jurisdictions allowing maximums as high as 60 hours per week.
Which countries have the shortest Working time averages?
The Netherlands leads with an average of just 27 paid hours per week, followed closely by France at 30 hours. These figures sit well below the broader global standard range.
More in Labor & Employment 1-24
Elsewhere in the Labor & Employment universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record