Why the 8-Hour Workday is Killing Your Productivity
And how to design your workday to gain maximum productivity
For over a century, it has been the norm for most people around the world to work in an 8-hour setting. This norm had been institutionalized after a rigorous battle fought by the then labor unions and workers’ rights activists and it has since been accepted as a cornerstone of the 9 to 5 or the 8-hour workday.
However, since the advent of computers and immense technological progress, several people are questioning the relevance of the 8-hour workday in today’s world.
A Brief History of the Origins of the 8-Hour Workday
During the later part of the 19th century, the community of laborers was persistently making efforts to establish a workday that consisted of 8 hours. In those times, it was common for the workers to work for long hours that ranged from 12 to 16 hours daily, and that too in unsafe and harmful environments.
Union leaders such as Robert Owen and the Knights of Labor believed that shorter work hours would lead to a boost in the efficiency and productivity of the workers and inspired the revolution which was successful in establishing the 8-hour workday in several nations.
Though the revolutionaries were victorious in instituting the new work regime, it wasn’t backed by scientific research or any rational thinking whatsoever.
It is just a tradition based on the political movement that happened a century ago and it was desirable at that time for the efficient functioning of the industries.
Why the 8-Hour Workday is Not Viable in The Digital Age
But in today’s era of technological explosion, the 8-hour workday is no longer viable for several reasons.
With the rise of automation and the gig economy, the nature of work has changed dramatically. Many office-goers now perform tasks that require higher levels of intellectual engagement, leading to longer hours of sitting work.
Furthermore, the rise of technology and remote work culture has blurred the lines between work and leisure, leading to work spilling over into personal time.
The Impracticability of an 8-Hour Workday
One of the main reasons is that the way people work and the environments where they work have changed drastically.
For example, due to flexible schedules and the advancement of technology, several people can now juggle work between the workplace and home or work from home entirely in the wake of the pandemic. The traditional 9–5 workday model may not be suitable for these people, who may be more productive in the evenings or during other times of the day. The 8-hour workday fails to accommodate the needs of such individuals, who may need to work longer or shorter hours to meet the demands of their work.
Another factor contributing to the futility of the 8-hour workday is that it does not consider the needs of individual workers.
Every individual has different energy levels, productivity cycles, and preferences for how and when they want to work. For some people, working eight hours straight may lead to decreased productivity and increased stress, while for others it may be the ideal work schedule. To accommodate the needs of individuals, it is necessary to rethink the one-size-fits-all 8-hour workday.
Productivity and Efficiency
The concept of the 8-hour workday, implemented in the late 19th century, was a landmark in the history of labor rights and aimed to increase productivity and efficiency among workers.
However, the relationship between the length of the workday and productivity has been a subject of debate for many decades.
On one hand, some studies have indicated that longer working hours can lead to decreased productivity, as workers become increasingly fatigued, less motivated, and less productive over time. This was famously noted by the British economist John Maynard Keynes, who in a 1930 essay predicted that by 2028, advances in technology would allow us to work just 15 hours a week.
On the other hand, other research suggests that a shorter workday can result in increased efficiency, as workers are better able to focus and are less prone to distractions. This idea has been popularized by companies like Amazon, which have experimented with 6-hour working days and have reported higher productivity levels among their employees.
Furthermore, the “science of rest” has shown that taking regular breaks throughout the day, and having a balanced work-life schedule, can lead to better mental and physical health, which in turn can positively impact productivity and efficiency.
“Work is not man’s punishment. Work is man’s privilege,” said the American philosopher, Paul Elmer More.
What is Ultradian Rhythm and Why it is Important
The importance of time management in the workplace has long been a topic of discussion, but it is becoming increasingly clear that focusing solely on the number of hours we work may not be the most effective approach.
Instead, the key to increasing productivity and efficiency lies in managing our energy, not just our time.
It’s high time we think about managing our energy instead of the number of hours we work.
This idea was first introduced by famous author Tony Schwartz, who stated that “Manage your energy, not your time”. Schwartz believes that as humans, we have four different types of energies that need to be managed every day:
1. Physical energy: It relates to the physical health of an individual. It can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercise and proper nutrition.
2. Emotional energy: It relates to the level of happiness and satisfaction of an individual. It can be improved by prioritizing activities that bring joy and fulfillment, and by surrounding oneself with positive relationships.
3. Mental energy: It relates to the ability of an individual to focus or concentrate on the task at hand. It can be enhanced by focusing on a single task at a time, minimizing distractions, and taking breaks when necessary
4. Spiritual energy: It relates to the ‘why’ of doing the work. It can be nourished by finding purpose and meaning in our work and life, and by engaging in activities that align with our values and beliefs.
The first step in managing these energies is to understand that as humans, our brain works on a concept known as the ultradian rhythms, which are unlike the linear way in which the machines work. The human brain can effectively focus on a single task for 90 to 120 minutes, after which it requires a break of 20 to 30 minutes to renew focus so that it can perform work with better focus and achieve desired results.
This understanding of ultradian rhythms is crucial for an efficient workday that truly respects the nature of the human brain.
The following schematic represents the concept of ultradian rhythm and shows the preferable durations (in minutes) of the work and rest. The peaks represent the point where our focus is at its maximum, while the troughs are the point when we feel the most lethargic and tired.
How to Design Your Workday
Given the changing nature of work and considering the ultradian rhythm of the human brain, it is clear that the 8-hour workday is required to be revised.
This could involve adopting flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and flexible schedules, to allow people to work when and where they are most productive. Additionally, it may involve encouraging them to take more frequent breaks during the workday, to reduce fatigue and increase productivity.
I would also like to suggest the following steps for increasing productivity at work by considering the ultradian rhythm of the human brain:
- Identify your ultradian rhythm
To determine your ultradian rhythm, keep track of when you feel the most energized and focused throughout the day. Also, take note when you feel sluggish and your concentration has taken a dip.
It will help you determine your ultradian rhythm since it may be different for different people or different kinds of work.
2. Plan your workday around your ultradian rhythm
Once you have identified your ultradian rhythm, plan your workday around it. For example, if you tend to feel the most focused and energized in the morning, schedule the most demanding tasks for this time.
3. Take regular breaks
It is important to take regular breaks to give your brain a chance to recharge.
According to the ultradian rhythm, you should take a 20–30 minute break after every 90–120 minutes of focused work.
4. Choose the right tasks for different times of day
Different tasks require different levels of focus and energy, so it is important to choose the right tasks for different times of the day.
For instance, tasks that require less focus and attention can be done during times when your energy is lower, while tasks that require more focus and attention should be done during times when you are feeling the most energized.
5. Manage your energy levels
In addition to taking regular breaks, it is important to manage your energy levels throughout the day by eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.
6. Practice mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your energy levels and increase your ability to focus.
Consider incorporating mindfulness techniques into your workday, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
7. Make time for recreation: To maintain a healthy work-life balance, it is important to make time for recreation and relaxation. This can include activities such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies.
By following these steps, you can increase your work efficiency by working with, rather than against, the ultradian rhythm of your brain.
“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work,” said the American entrepreneur, Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Last Words
In a nutshell, the 8-hour workday is no longer viable in this technological era, and focusing on time alone may not be enough to increase productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
Instead, we must pay attention to our energy levels and work in a way that respects our human nature, incorporating the natural rhythms of our minds and bodies. By managing our energy, we can achieve greater focus, motivation, and purpose, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in the long run.
References
- Keynes, J. M. (1930). Economic possibilities for our grandchildren. Essays in Persuasion, 358–373.
- The Guardian. (2015, August 17). Amazon workers in Sweden stage six-hour strike. The Guardian.
- Robinson, T. (2016). The relationship between working hours and productivity.
End Note
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