Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Healthiest Work Hours: 35-40 Hours Per Week
Working too many hours can be bad for your health.
Experts say the healthiest amount of work is around 35-40 hours per week.
Working more than 55 hours a week can make you more likely to have a stroke or heart problems.
It can also make you tired, stressed, and less productive.
To stay healthy, it's important to take breaks, get enough sleep, exercise, and make time for personal life.
Even if you have to work long hours, you can still take care of yourself by managing stress, eating well, and staying active.
The healthiest work hours are 35-40 hours per week.
Working 55+ hours per week increases the risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17%.
Long working hours can lead to poor sleep, fatigue, burnout, anxiety, depression, and higher blood pressure.
Reducing work hours alone is not the solution; working smarter and recovering better is key.
Prioritizing sleep, taking movement breaks, exercising, and setting boundaries can help reduce health risks.
- Who
- Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Dr. Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy
- What
- The health risks and recommendations for working hours
- When
- Research and advice based on recent studies and expert opinions
- Where
- Global context, with specific mention of WHO and ILO estimates
- Why
- To inform people about the health risks of long working hours and provide practical advice for reducing these risks
Health Risks of Long Working Hours
Productivity and Career Commitment
Health Risks
Health Risks of Long Working Hours
Long working hours increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, poor sleep, fatigue, burnout, anxiety, depression, higher blood pressure, reduced productivity, and workplace injuries.
Productivity and Career Commitment
Long working hours are often seen as a sign of ambition, productivity, and professional commitment.
- Healthiest Work Hours
- 35-40 hours per week
- Increased Risk of Stroke
- 35% higher risk for those working 55+ hours per week
- Increased Risk of Ischaemic Heart Disease
- 17% higher risk for those working 55+ hours per week
- Global Deaths in 2016
- 745,000 deaths due to stroke and heart disease
- Recommended Sleep Hours
- 7-9 hours per night
- Recommended Recovery Day
- At least one day per week