The Long History of Working Hours: From Serfdom to Industrialization

Throughout history, working hours have varied significantly across different eras and societies. From the densest workdays under serfdom to the regulated rhythms of industrialization, and even to the modern 9-5 jobs and beyond, the concept of work has evolved considerably.

Before Factories: The Long Workdays of Serfdom and Agriculturism

In medieval and early modern Europe, the concept of working long hours was deeply ingrained in peasant and serf life. Under the system of serfdom, villagers followed daily routines governed by the sun: they would rise with the dawn and work until dusk. This was not just a pattern followed by adults; it extended to children who were often given arduous tasks, such as mining coal or breaking up rocks to extract coal. The consistency and lethargy in their labor were driven by the stark realization that work was essential for survival. As one's grandfather put it, he witnessed his father work from sunup to sundown, six days a week, only taking Sunday off for religious observance.

The Colonial Curse: Harsh Labor Duties in Colonial New England

A similar work ethic was evident in colonial New England, where the daily toil required immense physical and mental fortitude. After the autumn harvest, communities would gather to process corn, a labor-intensive task that served both domestic and agricultural purposes. The work, though grueling, was seen as a necessary rite of passage. Men and women, both adults and young children, played crucial roles in preparing the land for planting, caring for livestock, and maintaining day-to-day household chores. These tasks formed an integral part of their daily lives, reflecting the rigors of frontier agrarian life.

Apprentices and Early Industries: The Long March to Mastery

For apprentices, the road to becoming a master craftsman was fraught with long hours and modest living conditions. An apprentice would have to work from sunup to sundown, often sleeping in the fireplace, and eventually vacating the hearth to the master’s family in winter. The apprenticeship could last up to five years and required significant dedication and physical endurance. Similarly, industries like tanning were equally demanding, with workers subjected to long nights in filthy, smelly conditions, producing just a single hide per year, and often facing societal ostracism due to the smell and nature of their work.

The Transition to Industrialization: Clocking In and Out

With the advent of industrialization, the labor patterns began to change, leading to a more structured and regimented work schedule. Factories and mills with their mechanical precision brought about the concept of a set start and end time: the famous eight-hour workday. This shift to a more modern working culture, which may seem luxurious compared to the relentless schedules of pre-industrial societies, was a significant evolution. The introduction of this new system has since influenced work-life balance for generations, though the idea of a fixed workday wasn't universal.

Contemporary Trends and Work-From-Home

Today, work-life dynamics have shifted once again with the advent of the modern 9-5 schedule, still widely regarded as a luxury. However, the rise of the 969 work schedule in Hong Kong, where workers are required to start work at 9 am and finish work only by 6 pm on six days a week, represents a trend that challenges traditional ideas of work-life balance. Moreover, the recent emergence of the 'work-from-home' regime, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, marks a new phase in how we perceive and practice work. This change has brought both challenges and opportunities for employees and employers, highlighting the evolving nature of work in the contemporary era.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Work from Past to Present

From the dawn-to-dusk routine of medieval serfdom to the structured workdays of the Industrial Revolution, the history of working hours is a testament to the dynamic nature of work in society. While the modern 9-5 schedule may seem like a luxury to many, the shift towards longer, more unyielding work schedules in some regions suggests that the evolution of work is far from over. As we continue to adapt to new realities and technologies, the concept of work itself remains in flux, reflecting the ongoing shift in societal values and expectations.