The Question of Productivity: How Much Time Do We Actually Work?

How much time do you work per day? For many, the answer might seem straightforward—usually 8 hours or more. But delve deeper, and the reality is far more nuanced. This article explores the true nature of our workday, challenging the notion that longer hours always mean more productivity.

A Real-World Perspective From a Timber Industry Owner

As a small business owner in the timber industry, my mornings start before dawn. I typically leave my home at 1:30 am, driving up to an hour to reach my job site. There, I spend between 10 to 14 hours operating machinery. This is when the earnest, hands-on work happens—work that directly translates to profit. After a long day, I still have to fuel and grease my equipment and make a return trip, often stopping for more fuel and supplies. Weekends are dedicated to preparing for the upcoming week, sometimes involving 2 to 8 hours of pre-work activities.

What is a Normal Workday?

A normal workday for me is a solid 10 to 12 hours. Rarely, if ever, does it stretch beyond this. Work is work, and there is no fa?ade of 'genuine' vs. 'fake' work. You're there to work, and that's all that matters.

My Perspective as a Software Engineer

I have a speciality in software engineering, which gives me a unique vantage point on workplace productivity. I was fascinated to know how many hours per day, on average, people perform work that directly benefits their business. In reality, numerous factors influence the actual number of productive hours: Company timesheets Invoices to customers Personal timesheets Productive work hours Office hours

Based on my observations and data collection, the typical “productive” work hours range between 5 to 6 hours out of an 8-hour “report card” workday. The remaining time is spent on various activities such as lunch, coffee breaks, processing non-project-related emails, timesheet reporting, and other administrative and HR-related tasks.

Productivity vs. Presence

My personal journey in the “rat race” showed that achieving even 6 productive hours per day was a challenge. I observed colleagues spending much of their day coding and delivering value. This pushed my admiration for their work ethic and efficiency. It brought into question the correlation between time spent in the office and productivity. Being present 'all hours' and working long hours doesn’t necessarily equate to being productive. Effective individuals who deliver value quickly spend less time in the office.

Conclusion

Productivity is a complex metric that transcends the mere number of hours one spends on the job. It’s about the quality of work, efficiency, and results. Whether you're a small business owner in the timber industry or a software engineer, reassessing how you measure productivity might yield surprising insights. The next time you wonder how much time you work per day, reflect on the value you are adding to your business rather than just the hours you have logged.