Only about 6 percent of the workers in computer systems design and related services firms work part time, compared with 16 percent of workers throughout all industries. Many workers in this industry work more than the standard 40-hour workweek—about 1 in 5 work 50 or more hours a week. For many professionals and technical specialists, evening or weekend work is common to meet deadlines or solve problems. Professionals working for large establishments may have less freedom in planning their schedule than do consultants for very small firms, whose work may be more varied.

Those who work with personal computers for extended periods may experience musculoskeletal strain, eye problems, stress, or repetitive motion illnesses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.