Halfdays

Half-days are time periods that constitute only part of a 24-hour day. In strict astronomical terms, a half-day lasts twelve hours, but in everyday use the length of a half-day depends on context and convention, particularly in education and employment.

In schools, a half-day usually means a shorter day with only morning or afternoon classes, leaving roughly half of the usual instructional time for that day. Half-days are common for professional development, parent-teacher conferences, exams, or holidays. The exact duration varies by country and district, but many half-days run about three to four hours of instructional time.

In the workplace, a half-day refers to a shift shorter than a full workday. If a standard day is eight hours, a half-day is typically around four hours, though some organizations use four-and-a-half or five hours to account for lunch breaks or payroll rules. Half-day leave can be paid or unpaid depending on policy, contract terms, and local regulations. Public services or businesses may also implement half-day closures for holidays, weather events, or energy-saving measures, usually announced in advance.

The term also appears in various scheduling contexts to indicate partial operation, such as markets that open only in the morning. Because the length and rules governing half-days vary widely, precise definitions are usually found in local guidelines, school handbooks, or employer policies.