Históricamente, ¿Cuántas horas las personas trabajaban por semana?

Hours of Work in U.S. History

Although the legal recommendation for working hours in Japan is 40 hours per week, historically, many Japanese employers have required their employees to work as much as 80 hours of overtime per month. This is 12 hours per day from Monday through Friday.

How many hours did people work in the 1700s?
In the late 1700s, when most Americans worked on farms or in small family business, the average full-time worker spent six days – a total of 72 hours a week, – on the job. 12 hours per day, only one day to rest.

It is important to note that historical data on working hours can vary significantly depending on the region, socioeconomic factors, and the nature of work during different time periods. Additionally, historical records on specific working hours may not always be available or accurate. However, I can provide a general overview of how working hours have evolved over time:

  1. 2000 years ago (around 23 CE): In ancient civilizations such as ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt, the concept of standard working hours did not exist as it does today. Agricultural societies often had irregular and seasonal work patterns, with long hours during harvest seasons and less work during other periods. Additionally, slave labor was common in many societies, where slaves worked long hours under harsh conditions.
  2. 1000 years ago (around 1023 CE): During the Middle Ages, working hours varied depending on social class and occupation. Peasants and serfs typically had long workdays, often working from dawn to dusk, especially during busy agricultural seasons. Artisans and craftsmen might work around 10-12 hours per day, while wealthier individuals and nobility had more leisure time.
  3. 500 years ago (around 1523 CE): During the Renaissance period, working hours remained long for most people, with agricultural laborers and artisans still working around 10-12 hours per day. However, urbanization and the growth of trade and commerce started to bring changes in working patterns, particularly in cities where some workers had shorter workdays.
  4. 400 years ago (around 1623 CE): During the early modern period, working hours began to be regulated in certain industries and regions. For example, the British Factory Act of 1833 limited working hours for children and young workers to 12 hours a day. However, many industrial workers, including adults, continued to work long hours, often exceeding 10-12 hours per day.
  5. 300 years ago (around 1723 CE): Working hours during the 18th century varied significantly across different industries and regions. Industrial workers, particularly in factories, often worked long hours, sometimes up to 14-16 hours per day, especially during peak production periods. Agricultural laborers and artisans generally had similar working patterns as in previous centuries.
  6. 200 years ago (around 1823 CE): The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to working hours. Factory workers, including men, women, and children, commonly worked 12-16 hours per day, six days a week. However, as labor movements gained momentum, efforts to reduce working hours began to emerge.
  7. 100 years ago (around 1923 CE): By the early 20th century, the fight for better working conditions led to progress in reducing working hours. Many countries started implementing labor laws that established an eight-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. However, these standards were not universally adopted, and some industries and regions still had longer work hours.
  8. 50 years ago (around 1973 CE): In the mid-20th century, the 40-hour workweek became more widespread in many industrialized countries, including Ecuador. This standard has since remained relatively consistent, with most full-time employees working around 40 hours per week.

It’s important to note that the above information provides a general historical overview, and there can be variations depending on specific circumstances and regions. Additionally, it’s crucial to consider that different professions and sectors may have had different working hour standards even within the same time period.

Determining the country where people work the most or the least can be complex, as it can depend on various factors such as cultural norms, labor laws, industry composition, and economic conditions. However, I can provide information based on available data:

Countries with longer working hours: According to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), some countries known for longer working hours include:

  1. Mexico: Mexico is often cited as a country where people work long hours. The average annual working hours per worker in Mexico is among the highest in the world.
  2. South Korea: South Korea is known for its strong work culture, and workers in South Korea often have long working hours compared to many other countries.
  3. Japan: Japan has a reputation for long working hours, with a phenomenon known as «karoshi,» which refers to death from overwork.

Countries with shorter working hours: On the other hand, some countries are known for shorter working hours, often due to labor regulations, strong work-life balance policies, or cultural norms. Examples include:

  1. Netherlands: The Netherlands is often recognized for having a good work-life balance, and employees in the country typically work fewer hours compared to many other nations.
  2. Germany: Germany is known for its emphasis on work-life balance and has implemented policies such as short-time work schemes. The average working hours in Germany are generally lower than the global average.
  3. Denmark: Denmark is known for its flexible work arrangements and strong social welfare system, which contributes to relatively shorter working hours and a good work-life balance.

It’s important to note that these examples are not exhaustive, and working hours can vary within each country depending on specific industries, occupations, and individual circumstances. Additionally, working hours can change over time as labor laws and societal norms evolve. It’s advisable to refer to official labor statistics or studies for the most accurate and up-to-date information on working hours in specific countries.

The average number of hours people work per week can vary within each country based on factors such as labor laws, industry practices, cultural norms, and individual preferences. Here is a general overview of the average working hours in the countries you mentioned:

  1. Mexico: In Mexico, the standard legal workweek is 48 hours, consisting of six working days with eight hours per day. However, it’s important to note that actual working hours can vary across different industries and occupations. Some sectors may have shorter workweeks, and others, such as manufacturing or service industries, may have longer working hours.
  2. South Korea: South Korea has traditionally had a culture of long working hours, although efforts have been made to address this issue. As of 2021, the legal maximum workweek in South Korea is 52 hours, consisting of five working days with a maximum of 40 regular working hours and up to 12 hours of overtime. However, in practice, some individuals and industries may still work longer hours due to various factors, including company culture and expectations.
  3. Japan: Japan is known for its work culture that has historically involved long working hours. However, there have been ongoing efforts to address this issue and promote better work-life balance. As of 2021, the legal standard workweek in Japan is 40 hours, consisting of five working days with a maximum of 8 hours per day. However, it’s important to note that the average actual working hours in Japan can still exceed the legal limit, particularly in certain industries and for specific job roles.

It’s essential to recognize that these are general guidelines, and individual circumstances may vary. Some individuals may work part-time or have flexible work arrangements that differ from the standard full-time working hours. Additionally, some countries have implemented or are exploring policies to further reduce working hours and promote better work-life balance.