The Six-Hour Workday #infographic

The eight-hour workday is a classic American staple. However, recent studies suggest that most Americans actually work more than 40 hours a week, and that the eight-hour-day might not be as productive as most employers once assumed.

Experts say the 40-hour working week is not based on the ideal total hours humans can work productively. Although the eight hours per day is reasonable when compared to work hours in the late 18th century. Workers were expected to log up to 16 hours. This was aimed at sustaining the round-the-clock operating requirements of most factories. However, it later became clear that such long working hours were unsustainable. It was rather inhumane and counter-productive.

In 1914, the Ford Motor Company took the initiative by cutting working hours to eight and doubled workers salaries. As a result, the company witnessed increased productivity. Workers are more focused and productive when well rested. The human brain tends to work optimally when taking 15-minute breaks after an hour of work.