Over 110,000 spectators gathered at the Crystal Palace
National Centre in London on April 20, 1901, to witness a fierce FA Cup final
match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur. This event not only
showcased athleticism but also marked a historic moment as it set a world
record for the largest attendance at a modern sporting event. For most of the
spectators, who were predominantly manual laborers, this was more than just a
game—it was a rare opportunity for enjoyment and respite from their demanding
routines.
Before the concept of the weekend, Saturdays were often just
another workday for the working class. However, the rise of football as a
popular pastime became a symbol of affordable leisure. The origins of this
shift trace back to the industrial revolution, where the necessity for workers
to have some rest and recreation grew more apparent. In some factories,
particularly those owned by progressive employers who understood the value of
worker well-being, breaks were introduced. Workers would gather in public
spaces to play football, releasing the stress of a long workweek. This new
leisure activity spread rapidly among workers in various countries.
In Brazil, while football was initially introduced by
educated elites, it was quickly embraced by the working class, who became
instrumental in developing the sport. Similarly, in Europe, clubs like Atlético
Madrid, Arsenal, West Ham United, Liverpool, and AC Milan grew out of
communities rooted in the working class.
Today, the structure of our workweek has dramatically
evolved. With two days of rest, we can recharge, spend time with family, and
enjoy a few moments of relaxation before the week begins again. This change is
part of a broader social and economic transformation that started in the
industrial nations of the 18th and 19th centuries.
The weekend, as we know it, did not always exist. Before the
19th century, workers had no designated time off. The absence of leisure led to
a grueling cycle where many toiled endlessly, producing goods without
sufficient rest. The idea of having both Saturday and Sunday off emerged after
years of struggle, beginning in the late 17th century and gaining momentum
through the 18th and 19th centuries as workers fought for their right to rest.
Historically, both Saturday and Sunday were regarded as days
of rest and worship in many religions. However, during the early stages of the
Industrial Revolution, workers often had to use these days to continue working.
By the early 20th century, retail workers in particular endured long hours,
sometimes working 12–16 hours a day, including weekends and evenings. This
exhausting lifestyle severely impacted their health and well-being.
However, as labor unions gained strength, awareness about
the need for a balance between work and personal life grew. A major demand from
these unions was the reduction of working hours and the provision of humane
rest periods. The Early Closing Association (ECA), formed in the early 1840s,
became a key player in advocating for shorter working hours. By the 1850s, the
ECA successfully campaigned for businesses to close earlier on Saturdays, often
around 1 p.m., allowing workers to enjoy their weekend.
The concept of the “half-day Saturday” first emerged in
England in the mid-19th century. This change was driven by the need for workers
to have more free time for rest or religious observance on Sundays. Gradually,
businesses began closing earlier, allowing employees to enjoy their weekends.
In the late 19th century, skilled workers began a tradition
known as “Saint Monday,” where they would take Monday off as an additional rest
day if they had worked Saturday afternoon. While initially opposed by
employers, they eventually gave in to the workers’ demands, and this practice
continued into the 1880s.
This movement garnered support from various sectors,
including unions, religious leaders, and even some employers. Religious leaders
argued that more rest would lead to increased church attendance and a morally
stronger society. They encouraged workers to use their free time to enhance
their spiritual lives.
The push for a shorter workweek reached a critical point on
May 1, 1886, when thousands of workers in Chicago demonstrated for an
eight-hour workday. The protest turned violent when a bomb exploded in
Haymarket Square, leading to casualties and increasing tensions between workers
and the police. In the aftermath, the World Socialist Congress in Paris
established May Day on May 1st as a global day of worker solidarity, which
continues to be celebrated annually.
As the 20th century progressed, the idea of the weekend
gained wider acceptance. Many businesses in industrialized nations began to
offer two full days off, and this practice gradually spread across the globe.
This shift was influenced by the growing popularity of recreational activities
like football and rugby, which were traditionally played on weekends.
Additionally, the two-day weekend spurred growth in sectors like tourism and
entertainment.
Governments around the world introduced labor laws
regulating working hours and holidays, further solidifying the weekend as a
time for rest. The combination of workers’ struggles, social awareness, and a
broader understanding of work-life balance ultimately gave rise to the modern
concept of the weekend as we know it today.
In Indonesia, the concept of a two-day weekend was
introduced after the influence of Western work systems took hold. The five-day
workweek with two days off has become the standard in many places, although
certain sectors still operate on a six-day workweek.
In 2024, Qu Jing, the CEO of Baidu, a Chinese search engine
company, faced public backlash for promoting a hard-working culture through a
video that showed a disregard for employee well-being. In the video, he
demanded employees be available 24/7 and threatened those who questioned his
management style. Following widespread criticism, Qu Jing apologized,
acknowledging the misunderstanding caused by the video.
In China, the controversial 996 work system—where employees
work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—was eventually deemed illegal by
the government. Despite protests, business leaders like Jack Ma defended the
system, claiming that hard work was the key to success.
In today’s digital age, the line between work and personal
life is becoming increasingly blurred. Many people find themselves trapped in
an “always-on” culture, even at home. Emails, messages from bosses, and endless
work responsibilities often interfere with relaxation time.
As Katrina Onstad writes in The Weekend Effect
(2017), “The weekend has become an extension of the workweek, which means, by
definition, it’s not really a weekend at all.” High work pressures and a lack
of work-life balance can damage relationships and reduce employee productivity.
Studies show that home support and communication have a
significant impact on workplace performance, and leadership that supports
family life contributes to better employee well-being and productivity.
Employers are advised to invest in creating a culture that values work-life
balance and to recognize the dangers of over-reliance on technology and
constant activity after working hours.
In the UK, the trend of a four-day workweek is gaining
traction. Research from Henley Business School shows that companies operating
with a four-day workweek report increased employee productivity, resulting in
significant savings for businesses. The research also indicates that employees
are happier, experience less stress, and report better health.
This movement toward shorter workweeks is expected to
continue, with many business leaders seeing it as crucial for future success.
While the benefits are clear, challenges such as potential customer service
disruptions and concerns about employee laziness remain.
Ultimately, the weekend is more than just a break from work;
it is a symbol of the long history of workers’ struggles for better conditions.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing work with personal life,
and how the fight for workers’ rights shaped the society we live in today. The
weekend is not only a time for rest, but also a vital part of our social
history and ongoing journey toward greater work-life harmony.
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