Overtime

A growing number of people work long hours. In studies of work time, long work hours and overtime have often been used interchangeably. Although these concepts are interrelated, they do not have exactly the same meaning. Work hours exceeding a full-time workweek is most correctly referred to as long or prolonged work hours, whereas overtime refers to work hours exceeding the number of contracted work hours. A full-time workweek in terms of the number of work hours varies across work sectors, industries, and nations. Full-time work falls within the range of 37.5 to 45 hours per week. Some studies set the limit at more than 45 hours a week, whereas other studies set the limit at 48-hour or longer shifts for long work hours. Still ...