Teleworking is a type of work day that takes place remotely.
The working day is the period of time during which a worker is engaged in his or her employment, performing work tasks or fulfilling his or her professional responsibilities.
History and evolution
Throughout history, the concept of the working day has experienced significant changes, influenced by economic, social and political factors. In ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and the Greeks, there was no formal regulation of the working day. Employees often worked long hours, determined by the needs of agriculture and craft production. During the Middle Ages, feudalism and agriculture were dominant. The working day was determined by the seasons of the year and agricultural conditions, with long working hours in certain periods.
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century marked a radical change in the structure of the work day. Factories introduced long hours, with workers often subjected to difficult working conditions, without clear time limits. As the 19th century progressed, labor movements and unions emerged to advocate for better working conditions, including reduced working hours. In 1886, the strike for the eight-hour work day took place in the United States, which had a global impact.
Throughout the 20th century, many countries implemented laws to regulate the length of the working day and establish standards for worker protection. The standardized concepts of 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week were introduced in various places around the world. Today, the working day continues to be the subject of discussion and adaptation as technology and new forms of work, such as teleworking, have changed work dynamics. Some companies and countries have experimented with shorter or more flexible hours in an effort to improve productivity and work-life balance.
Types according to duration
There are three types of days depending on their duration: full, half and reduced. Full time is characterized by a working schedule that covers all of the working hours established by the employer , generally considered a standard workday of 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week in many countries. This format is common in various industries and often offers benefits to employees, such as full salary, health insurance, and other benefits. Full time is typically associated with full-time jobs and can encompass different shifts, depending on the nature of the work and the needs of the company.
Half-time implies a work schedule that takes up half of the time established as a full-time. This can translate into working 4 hours a day or 20 hours a week, although variations are possible. Employees who work part-time generally receive pro-rated benefits, although these may vary depending on company policy and local labor regulations. Part-time is often chosen by those seeking a work-life balance , such as students, parents caring for their children, or others with responsibilities outside of work.
Reduced working hours imply a significant decrease in the number of working hours compared to full working hours. This modality can be adopted by employees who are looking for greater flexibility in their schedules or who have specific needs, such as caring for family members or personal commitments. It can take various forms, from part-time jobs to flexible hours, and often involves a lower proportion of salary and benefits compared to full-time work. Despite this, it offers workers the opportunity to maintain a work relationship while managing other responsibilities in their lives.
Night work is a challenging but chosen type of workday for many.
Types according to schedule
The classification of the working day according to the schedule gives us the evening, morning and night shifts, in addition to the rotating shift. The morning shift is the work schedule that covers the morning hours, usually beginning early in the day and ending at noon or early afternoon. It is common in many work sectors and is associated with the traditional start of the work day. Employees often benefit from the availability of services and activities after finishing their work day.
The evening shift includes the afternoon hours and may extend into the evening, depending on the length of the shift and company policies. It allows employees to start their workday later in the day, which can be beneficial for those who prefer more flexible schedules or have other responsibilities during the morning. The evening shift is common in sectors such as hospitality, call centers and customer service .
The night shift covers the evening hours, generally beginning around dusk and ending in the early hours of the next day. It is essential in industries that require continuous operations, such as healthcare, public safety, and manufacturing. Employees often receive additional compensation due to the after-hours nature of their work. Although it can be challenging to adapt to a night job, some people prefer this mode for a variety of reasons, such as peace of mind and the availability of daytime hours for other activities.
Rotating work involves employees alternating between different shifts in an established cycle. Instead of always working the same schedule, employees move through morning, afternoon, and night shifts according to a predetermined schedule. This approach is used in industries that require continuous 24-hour operations , such as manufacturing or healthcare. Rotating work schedules can offer some flexibility and variety at work, but they can also present challenges in terms of your body adjusting to constantly changing schedules.
Work that is done at certain times of the year is called seasonal.
Types according to modality
According to the modality, we recognize face-to-face work, teleworking, shift work and seasonal work. In-person work implies that employees carry out their work tasks at the physical location designated by the company. This traditional approach requires workers to physically show up at the office during a specific time. Although the in-person workday has long been the norm, the increasing availability of technology has enabled the adoption of more flexible work models.
Teleworking , or remote work , is the performance of work activities outside the physical environment of the company, generally from home. Information and communications technology has facilitated this modality, allowing virtual connection between employees and employers. Teleworking provides location flexibility and can improve work-life balance. However, it also poses challenges, such as the need for strong personal discipline and effective time management .
Shift work involves employees performing their job duties on rotating schedules, covering different parts of the day or night. This approach is common in industries that require continuous 24-hour operations, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and the hospitality industry. Employees may experience challenges in terms of the body's adjustment to irregular schedules, but this model allows companies to maintain a consistent operation.
Seasonal work refers to jobs that are tied to certain times of the year due to weather, tourism, or other cyclical events. For example, the agricultural, tourism, and retail industries often experience variable demand throughout the year, resulting in the hiring of seasonal workers. Although seasonal work can offer temporary opportunities, it also presents challenges in terms of job stability and consistent benefits for employees.