Final answer:
Working 24/7 is not typically sustainable or legal due to labor laws and health considerations. While some jobs may require on-call availability, continuously working without rest can lead to burnout and health issues. Employers legally cannot force employees to work without adequate breaks and days off.
Step-by-step explanation:
Working 24/7 is theoretically possible depending on the nature of the job and the contractual agreement between an employer and an employee. However, there are legal and health constraints to consider. For instance, labor laws in many countries limit the number of work hours to prevent exploitation and ensure workers have enough rest. Likewise, working incessantly without breaks is detrimental to health and can lead to burnout. In some professions, notably those involving global teams or on-call responsibilities, being available 24/7 does not necessarily equate to actively working all the time, but rather being able to respond if needed, as seen in the example of Ashley who works remotely and maintains a flexible schedule to accommodate international communication.
Historically, the concept of work hours has evolved significantly. During the Industrial Revolution, workdays of ten to twelve hours were common, and in some places, the duration was even longer until labor reforms were introduced. Today's labor laws generally enforce more humane working hours, though exceptions exist for certain professions or circumstances. Regardless, working continuously without breaks is not sustainable and can negatively impact an individual's health and well-being. It is important to note that an employer cannot legally force an employee to work without rest due to labor laws, which include provisions for rest and days off. Also, considerations like religious obligations or personal health must be factored into any work schedule.