
The chart shows that average working hours declined dramatically for workers in early-industrialized economies over the last 150 years. The data comes from research by the economic historians Michael Huberman and Chris Minns, who have brought together evidence from historical records, National Accounts data, and other sources. We show annual totals, so the trends account for changes in both the length of working days as well as the number of days worked through the year. You can add or remove countries by clicking The chart here shows average working hours since 1870 for a selection of countries that industrialized early.

Time spent on activities on an average day, by sex, Sweden.Time spent on activities in an average day, males.Time spent on activities in an average day, females.Time spent on activities in an average day.Participation time in employment per day.Men in the US: Weekly hours dedicated to home production by age group.Hours spent in market and non-market work per week, by sex, United States.

Days off from work for vacations and holidays.Average hours worked per person employed.Average hours of work per week, by industry.Average daily hours worked, by industry, United States.Average daily hours of work, by occupation, United States.Average daily hours of work in winter, by industry.Average daily hours of work in summer, by industry.Annual working hours per worker, various sources.
