How many hours should a person work? There is no single answer. According to the World Bank and the University of California, Berkeley, the average global worker puts in 42 hours per week. However, this figure varies depending on gender, age, occupation, and economic development.
A Duke University study found that Germans and Britons are willing to trade part of their salary for more free time, while Americans prefer higher pay and longer hours. The optimal work week in Germany is 37 hours, while in the USA it's typically longer.
Historical analysis shows that productivity only increases up to a point: beyond 48 hours, efficiency drops, and working more than 60 hours delivers virtually no extra benefit. Long hours are also linked to higher risks of accidents and health problems. Studies found that working over 55 hours a week raises stroke and cardiovascular disease risk.
Sectoral differences are significant—in hospitality and food industries, 80% of employees report excessive workloads; in tech, burnout rates reach 38%. Ultimately, there is no 'ideal' number of work hours—what matters is the balance between efficiency, health, and personal life.
The author encourages working efficiently, maintaining motivation and outcomes, and remembering the importance of rest and family.
