40hour

40hour is a term used to denote the standard full-time workweek commonly set at forty hours, typically eight hours per day across five days, though actual schedules vary by country and employer.

The 40-hour concept originated with labor movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established a 40-hour workweek and overtime pay for hours beyond that threshold. Other countries adopted similar limits at different times as part of broader labor regulations.

In practice, overtime rules, work distributions, and flexible arrangements shape how a 40-hour week is implemented. Some jurisdictions permit overtime after 40 hours with premium pay; others allow compressed schedules, part-time options, or shifts that sum to 40 hours. Technological changes and remote work have also influenced scheduling, enabling more varied distributions.

Beyond a labor term, 40hour can be used as a brand name, project title, or identifier in marketing or media contexts. Without additional context, it does not point to a single, universally defined entity.

Related topics include the 40-hour workweek, overtime policies, and labor standards.