Workweek: meaning, definitions and examples

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workweek

 

[ ˈwərkˌwik ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

typical

A workweek is a period of seven consecutive days in which an employee works, typically Monday through Friday.

Synonyms

work period, work week, working week.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
workweek

Common in American English, 'workweek' typically refers to the standard set of hours an employee is expected to work within one week. It's often used when discussing schedules, planning, or work-life balance.

  • I'm working a 40-hour workweek.
  • This workweek was incredibly busy.
work week

Common in British English, 'work week' serves the same purpose as 'workweek'. It represents the total number of hours an employee is expected to work over the span of a week.

  • He takes a break from work week stress by hiking on weekends.
  • The standard work week consists of five days.
working week

Also more common in British English, 'working week' refers to the days or hours within a week during which people usually work. It's more about the routine and the timeframe rather than specific hours.

  • My working week starts on Monday and ends on Friday.
  • A typical working week for her includes telecommuting and office visits.
work period

This term is more general and can refer to any set duration during which work is performed. It is not restricted to a week and can be used in various professional settings and industries.

  • Her productivity increased during the morning work period.
  • This project needs to be completed within this work period.

Examples of usage

  • The standard workweek in many countries is 40 hours.
  • My workweek starts on Monday and ends on Friday.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A workweek can also refer to the amount of time someone spends working during a week, regardless of the specific days.

Synonyms

work time, working hours, workload.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
workweek

This term is used to describe the overall duration of days and hours worked in a typical week. It's commonly referenced when talking about schedules or policies.

  • The company's standard workweek is Monday through Friday
  • Many employees prefer a compressed workweek
workload

This word describes the amount of work assigned to an individual or expected to be completed within a certain timeframe. It can carry a slightly negative connotation if the amount of work is considered excessive.

  • The workload this week is overwhelming
  • He is struggling to manage his workload
work time

This phrase is used to refer to the periods during which an individual is working or expected to work. It's often used in a general sense.

  • Please keep personal calls to a minimum during work time
  • Work time should be used productively
working hours

This term specifies the actual hours during which an employee is expected to be at work. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • My working hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM
  • The company's working hours are quite flexible

Examples of usage

  • She had a busy workweek with back-to-back meetings.
  • This workweek has been particularly challenging for me.

Translations

Translations of the word "workweek" in other languages:

🇵🇹 semana de trabalho

🇮🇳 काम का सप्ताह

🇩🇪 Arbeitswoche

🇮🇩 minggu kerja

🇺🇦 робочий тиждень

🇵🇱 tydzień pracy

🇯🇵 労働週 (ろうどうしゅう)

🇫🇷 semaine de travail

🇪🇸 semana laboral

🇹🇷 çalışma haftası

🇰🇷 근무 주 (geunmu ju)

🇸🇦 أسبوع العمل (usbu' aleamal)

🇨🇿 pracovní týden

🇸🇰 pracovný týždeň

🇨🇳 工作周 (gōngzuò zhōu)

🇸🇮 delovni teden

🇮🇸 vinnuvika

🇰🇿 жұмыс аптасы (zhūmys aptasy)

🇬🇪 სამუშაო კვირა (samushao k'vira)

🇦🇿 iş həftəsi

🇲🇽 semana laboral

Etymology

The concept of a workweek dates back to the early 20th century, when labor movements advocated for standardized working hours and days off. The idea was to promote a better work-life balance and prevent employee exploitation. Over time, regulations and laws were put in place to define and regulate the workweek in various industries and countries.

See also: coworker, coworkers, hardworking, overwork, rework, reworking, unworkability, unworkable, work, workability, workable, workableness, workaholic, workaround, workbench, worker, workers, workforce, working, worklessness, workload, workmanship, workmates, workmen, workout, workplace, works, workshop, workstation, worktable, worktop, workwear.