An 80-hour work week is standard for many high-level executives and entrepreneurs, but does it lead to higher productivity?

The answer is a complex one.

While putting in more hours would equal more work, studies have shown that longer work hours can lead to burnout, decreased motivation, and decreased overall productivity.

Plateauing at 50 hours

Research conducted by Stanford University found that after a certain number of hours, productivity plateaus, and longer work hours can lead to decreased productivity.

According to their study, a 50-hour work week is a sweet spot for maximum productivity; after that, each additional hour decreases productivity.

Basecamp Success Story

One example of a company that has adopted a shorter workweek is the tech company Basecamp. They have implemented a 4-day workweek and have seen increased employee productivity and satisfaction.

Basecamp CEO Jason Fried stated that the shorter workweek has allowed employees to focus better and prioritize their work, leading to increased productivity.

Shiga Kogyo's 6-hour workday

Another example is the Japanese company Shiga Kogyo, which implemented a six-hour workday and saw a 40% increase in productivity.

The company attributes this to better morale, less burnout, and improved employee relationships.

Quality > Quantity

However, it's about more than just the number of hours worked, but also the quality of those hours.

A study by the Harvard Business Review found that employees who work long hours are often less productive because they are often distracted by emails, phone calls, and other distractions.

Konklusyon

While an 80-hour work week may seem like the key to increased productivity, the reality is that longer work hours can lead to decreased productivity and burnout (we've written a blog post on identifying and coping with burnout).

Instead, companies should focus on the quality of their employees' work hours and find the sweet spot for maximum productivity.

Companies can see improved employee productivity and satisfaction by implementing shorter work weeks and/or prioritising work.