
How many hours a week do you actually work?
How many hours a week do you really work? For many entrepreneurs, freelancers and self-employed people, the answer to this question can be hard to define. Between emails, meetings, periods of intense productivity and moments of procrastination, your actual working time can vary considerably. Yet knowing the answer is essential to optimising your time, improving productivity and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
In this article, we'll explore the different ways of measuring your actual working time, analyse why it's often less (or more) than you think, and give you some tips on how to manage your time more effectively.
1. The myth of the 40-hour week
The idea that everyone works 40 hours a week is often a myth, especially for those who don't follow traditional office hours. If you're a freelancer or entrepreneur, your days can be very flexible, making it difficult to estimate exactly how many hours you're actually working.
What's more, with the rise of teleworking and asynchronous working, many people intersperse their days with short breaks, personal time or other obligations. This can make the working day longer without you really realising it.
Tip: To assess your real workload, use time-tracking tools such as Toggl, RescueTime or Clockify. These applications will help you measure exactly how many hours you're actually spending on your tasks.
2. Hidden distractions: email, social networks, meetings
Another reason why your estimate of working time can be misleading is the frequency of distractions. Time spent answering emails, checking social networks or attending unproductive meetings can add up quickly without you realising it. This type of ‘fake work’ can give the impression that you're constantly busy, when far less time is spent on genuinely productive tasks.
Tip: Try the Pomodoro method, which involves working in 25-minute sessions followed by short breaks, to maximise your concentration and minimise distractions.
3. Real productivity is not linked to the number of hours you work
Working longer does not necessarily mean being more productive. In fact, several studies show that productivity decreases after a certain number of hours spent working without a break. Working 60 hours a week won't make you any more efficient than someone who works 40, if much of that time is poorly managed or if you suffer from mental fatigue.
Tip: Divide your tasks according to when you are most productive. If you perform best in the morning, reserve those hours for your most important tasks and leave the afternoons for more routine tasks.
4. Off’ time counts too
For some entrepreneurs and freelancers, it can be difficult to draw the line between work and leisure. It's not uncommon to be answering emails late at night or thinking about projects at the weekend. However, this ‘hidden work time’ can quickly lead to burnout if you're not careful.
One of the keys to managing your workload better is to understand the importance of taking a step back. Rest and free time are essential to recharge your batteries and come back with more creativity and energy.
Tip: Plan time slots for your personal activities and stick to them as much as possible. You'll find that you'll be more productive once you've taken some time for yourself.
5. Set clear limits
Whether you're a freelancer working from home or an entrepreneur managing several projects, it's crucial to define clear boundaries between work time and personal time. All too often, entrepreneurs find themselves working throughout the day, which ends up damaging their mental health and efficiency.
Tip: Set yourself a timetable for the start and end of the working day and stick to it. This structured framework will help you to manage your time better and avoid overwork.
The question ‘how many hours a week do you really work?’ is worth asking any entrepreneur or freelancer. By taking a close look at how you spend your time, eliminating distractions and setting clear boundaries between your work and your personal life, you can not only improve your productivity, but also maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The question ‘how many hours a week do you really work?’ deserves to be asked by every entrepreneur or freelancer. By taking a close look at your schedule, eliminating distractions and setting clear boundaries between your work and your personal life, you can not only improve your productivity, but also maintain a better work-life balance.