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Track weekly work hours, breaks, and overtime pay
The 40-hour workweek was pioneered by Ford Motor Company in 1926, and became US law in 1940 under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
South Korea and Mexico average 40+ hours weekly. Japan's 'karoshi' (death from overwork) led to labor reforms.
The Netherlands averages just 29 hours/week. Denmark and Norway follow with about 33 hours.
The first overtime laws passed in 1938 required 1.5x pay after 40 hours to discourage excessive work hours.
Studies show productivity peaks at 25-30 hours/week. After 50 hours, productivity drops significantly.
Europeans get 4-6 weeks paid vacation by law. The US has no federal minimum, averaging just 10 days.
The 9-to-5 schedule was established by labor unions in the 1800s to create work-life boundaries.
Iceland's 4-day workweek trial (2015-2019) showed maintained productivity with improved well-being.