Final answer:
The justification for administrative personnel to regularly work overtime hours, such as 56 or 60 hours per week, may include operational demands, workloads, deadlines, or labor shortages, as studied by industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology. The average work week in the U.S. is around 42.5 hours according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with legal frameworks in place for overtime pay. It is essential for the well-being of employees that the implications of extended work hours on health and work-life balance are considered.
Step-by-step explanation:
The justification for administrative personnel to work regularly-scheduled overtime, such as 56 or 60 hours per week, is often due to a variety of workplace demands and expectations.
Industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology offers insights into how such work hours can affect employees' physical and psychological health.
Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average work week for full-time workers in the United States has been around 42.5 hours, there is significant variation, with many individuals working well beyond this amount.
In historical contexts, employees in factories endured long work days, often averaging 10 to 12 hours, without flexibility for breaks or time off, illustrating the rigor of industrial era labor practices.
Modern day employees may face similar week working demands due to operational needs, workload, project deadlines, or labor shortages, which might necessitate extended working hours.
The legal framework, including rules on overtime pay, is designed to compensate for these additional hours worked.
Nevertheless, organizations should consider the implications of extended working hours on employee well-being and balance the need for overtime with potential negative effects on health and work-life balance.