Have you ever wondered about the optimal number of hours you should work per week? Here’s the answer: it’s 7.6 hours. (We’ll explain why in a moment.)
But perhaps you are one of those people who brags about your 70-hour workweek. Or maybe you are on the other end of the spectrum, chasing the 4-hour workweek dream.
Whatever your particular appetite for work is, know that there’s plenty of evidence that putting in more hours doesn’t necessarily equate to higher productivity. Research tells us that productivity falls sharply after 50 hours per week, and drops off a cliff after 55 hours. Additionally, not taking at least one full day off per week leads to lower hourly output overall.