Is long working hours a good idea for professionals? Recent debates about 90 hours of work per week have sparked controversy. Find out if it’s healthy or not.
Do you want to check how many hours you will work in a week? It’s no surprise that people who work too many hours or are working overtime will be exhausted. Recent remarks by L&T Chairman Sn Subrahmanyan have sparked debate over long working hours. Proposed 90 hours a week of work, he compared Indian labor culture to that of China, saying that Indians should be willing to work for longer periods if they want to compete globally. In addition to this, he questioned the time the employees spend with their family, and went as far as to ask, “How closely can you stare at your wife?” The statement sparked a fierce debate on work-life balance and attracted criticism from various corners. Is it healthy to work 90 hours a week? How much should I work in a week? What is the right job and life balance between people? Answer all these questions.
How much should I work in a week?
A 90-hour work may not be the healthiest of you. There is no fixed time suitable for working in a week, but maintaining a work-life balance is important, Anu Goel explains. According to the European Working Hours Directive, people should not work more than 48 hours a week on average. The study also states that a small number of working hours (1-8 hours a week) produces significant mental health and well-being benefits for previously unemployed or economically inactive individuals.
Why is a 90-hour workout not a good idea?
Working 90 hours a week is unhealthy. Providing the right work-life balance is extremely important for healthy mental health. This is why you need to reduce your working hours:
1. It reduces productivity
Productivity often peaks within a certain period of time and then declines. A study published in Journal Labor Economics found that increased working hours result in a decrease in output per hour. Fatigue also appears to play an important role for part-time workers. Working too long can lead to burnout, reduced focus and ultimately reduced productivity.
2. raises health concerns
Long working hours have negative effects on physical and mental health, increasing the risk of stress, burnout, heart disease and sleep disorders. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health states that long working hours contribute to psychological and job stress. Working over 10 hours a day, over 40 hours per month, and over 60 hours a week can cause stressful emotions. It can also strain relationships and affect family life.
7 effective tips to reduce working hours in a week
Whether it’s a 90-hour work week or a 40-hour setup, ultimately, the optimal number of hours worked will vary depending on your particular situation, job requirements, and personal preferences. However, here are some tips to help reduce your workload in a week.
1. Raise your priorities
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your 90 hours of work per week, it’s important to identify and focus on the most important tasks. There are many techniques for prioritizing, such as the Eisenhower Matrix. It is a decision-making tool that helps you classify tasks as important, urgent and non-urgent.
2. Time block
Another way to avoid 90 hours of work per week is to block certain times for intensive tasks. It’s also important to stick to them and be consistent. An important point to keep in mind is to minimize all distractions during these time blocks.
3. Delegate effectively
It is important to delegate tasks to colleagues and team members depending on your work profile. This can give a very spiritual boost to those who feel exhausted. In addition to this, people can experience a sense of control and prevent burnout.
4. Automate tasks
With the right tools, you can easily cut down 90 hours of working weeks. Today, the advent of advanced AI technologies allows tools and software to be used to automate several tasks, such as email scheduling and report generation.
5. Set clear boundaries
It is important to set clear boundaries when it comes to your work and personal time. This can be done by not checking work-related emails from home, planning work only during work hours, and avoiding cell phones and laptops between families, Goel says. Plus, taking regular vacations can help you avoid charging and burnout.
6. Take regular breaks
Short breaks throughout the day can increase focus and productivity. Therefore, it is important to take time off even when you are working. This helps you refresh and increase productivity.
7. A good atmosphere at work
A proper workplace atmosphere can create a world of difference. Keep away from social media apps, find quiet workspaces and minimize disruptions. Clear and concise communication with your work team can save you time and prevent misunderstandings. A work culture that emphasizes shifting focus helps reduce 90 hours of work week by moving from working hours to output and achieving the achieved outcome.
Not only is 90 hours of work unhealthy, it can also reduce productivity and performance in the workplace. An efficient work schedule allows you to divide the day into shorter spans, with productivity, regular breaks, and delegates as much as possible.
