Working hours: meaning, definitions and examples
⏰
working hours
[ ˈwər-kiŋ ˈaʊərz ]
job
The amount of time someone spends at their job during a day, week, or month.
Synonyms
business hours, office hours, work hours.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
working hours |
Duplicate entry, see above. |
office hours |
Typically refers to the specific hours during which an office is open or a professional, like a professor or doctor, is available for appointments.
|
business hours |
Specifically denotes the time during which a business is open to the public, usually in customer service contexts.
|
work hours |
Similar to 'working hours,' but often used more casually or informally to refer to the time someone spends working.
|
Examples of usage
- He works long hours to support his family.
- Our working hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.
- I need to check my working hours for this week.
- She is on a part-time contract with flexible working hours.
- Please fill in your working hours on the timesheet.
legal
The specific times during the day when employees are required to be present at their workplace.
Synonyms
office hours, shift hours, work hours.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
working hours |
General term referring to the time period during which a person is expected to work.
|
office hours |
Usually used to indicate the time when an office is open for business or when a professional, like a professor, is available to meet.
|
shift hours |
Specifically refers to the hours assigned to a worker for a particular shift, commonly used in workplaces that operate in shifts like hospitals, factories, or retail.
|
work hours |
Similar to 'working hours', but often used more informally to denote the specific hours someone spends at work.
|
Examples of usage
- The company policy states the working hours for all employees.
- Employees are expected to adhere to the working hours set by the company.
- The working hours are 9 am to 6 pm with a one-hour lunch break.
- Overtime pay is applicable for work beyond the normal working hours.
- The working hours may vary depending on the shift schedule.
Etymology
The concept of working hours has evolved over time, influenced by industrialization, labor movements, and government regulations. In the early days of industrialization, workers often faced long and grueling hours with little to no breaks. As labor movements gained traction, there were efforts to establish standard working hours and regulations to protect workers' rights. Today, working hours are typically regulated by labor laws and company policies to ensure a balance between work and personal life.