Workweek: meaning, definitions and examples

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workweek

[ˈwərkˌwik ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The concept of a set workweek was popularized during the Industrial Revolution when workers began advocating for shorter hours.
In 1926, Henry Ford introduced the 5-day workweek to boost worker productivity and morale.
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established the 40-hour workweek as the standard in the United States.

Cultural Significance

Different countries have variations in their workweek; for example, many Middle Eastern countries have a Thursday-Friday workweek.
In many cultures, the end of the workweek is celebrated with social events or relaxation activities, highlighting the value of work-life balance.
The concept of 'weekend' evolved as society recognized the need for leisure time after the workweek.

Science and Productivity

Research shows that longer workweeks can lead to decreased productivity due to fatigue and burnout.
Studies indicate that a 4-day workweek can enhance worker happiness and efficiency without sacrificing output.
The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity method that highlights the importance of breaks during the workweek to maximize focus.

Modern Trends

With the rise of remote work, traditional workweek boundaries are evolving, leading to more flexible hours.
The concept of a 'four-day workweek' is gaining traction among companies aiming to improve employee satisfaction.
Gig economy growth has blurred the lines of the traditional workweek as freelancers set their own schedules.

Psychological Perspectives

The workweek can significantly affect mental health, with long hours being linked to stress and anxiety.
Work-life balance strategies encourage workers to ensure time for personal activities during the workweek.
Different personality types may thrive under varying workweek structures, from strict schedules to flexible arrangements.

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