As the standard workday expands, experts question whether extra hours translate into increased output

The traditional eight-hour workday has evolved significantly over the years, with many workers now finding themselves on the receiving end of longer hours without corresponding increases in pay. While the classic 9-to-5 schedule used to be the norm, the creeping extension of working hours to 9-to-6 has become common in recent years, yet studies show that this shift may not be benefiting productivity as expected.

In fact, a 2018 YouGov poll revealed that just 6% of UK workers still follow the conventional 9-to-5 pattern. One reason for this is that many employees are now expected to work longer hours, with overtime becoming more common without extra compensation. For example, over half of UK employees regularly work beyond their contracted hours, with some clocking in an additional two hours a day.

At the same time, research has consistently shown that more working hours do not equate to higher productivity. A Stanford University study found that once employees worked beyond 50 hours per week, their productivity per hour sharply declined. Employees working 70 hours a week, for instance, accomplished the same amount as those who worked 55 hours, demonstrating that longer hours do not always lead to greater output.

Despite this evidence, a shift towards longer workdays is evident in many industries. For instance, Google co-founder Sergey Brin recently sparked controversy when he suggested that 60-hour weeks were the “sweet spot” for productivity. Meanwhile, various online forums and social media platforms are abuzz with questions about how the standard 9-to-5 has transformed into a 9-to-6 routine without much resistance.

This change harkens back to a historical shift in working patterns. The idea of reducing working hours was first advocated in the early 19th century by Welsh reformer Robert Owen, who campaigned for a 10-hour workday. His efforts laid the foundation for the eight-hour workday, which gained traction throughout the Industrial Revolution. In the United States, Henry Ford popularised the 40-hour workweek in the 1920s, while other nations such as France have adhered to a legally mandated 35-hour week.

While the 8-8-8 model – eight hours of work, recreation, and rest – was a simple yet effective vision, its application has waned over time. The modern working world is increasingly characterised by an “always-on” culture, in which employees are expected to be available outside traditional office hours, particularly with the advent of digital communication tools. This shift, however, is not universally beneficial.

The rise of flexible working hours and the growing movement for reduced workdays are seen as potential solutions to combat burnout and improve overall productivity. Pilot schemes in countries like Iceland have shown promising results, with employees working fewer hours but maintaining or even improving productivity. Companies that have implemented shorter workdays, such as the Toyota plant in Gothenburg, Sweden, have reported significant gains in profits and employee well-being.

As experts continue to advocate for a better work-life balance, it’s clear that the 9-to-6 model may no longer be the ideal for a productive and healthy workforce. Whether it’s a shift to a four-day workweek or experimenting with six-hour days, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that working less may be the key to achieving more.