With all the automation since WW2, why isn't the standard work week less than 40 hours?

Answer 1

Because even with increased productivity employers still want to get the maximum hours of work out of people?

Also maybe people are accustomed to working that many hours and don't know what to do with the extra hours when they could be making more money.

Answer 2

The workweek has fallen from about 45 hours in 1950 to less than 40 today. So, I think all that automation is helping.

Plus, don't forget that your dishwasher and your vacuum cleaner are helping have more hours of leisure on the weekend, too.

Answer 3

It is not just the US it is also Europe. The US productivity growth as measured by GDP per hour of labor is about equal to the average of Europe over the last 25 years and they also have increased hours of labor per capita. Most people could live with less income but they choose to work in the market and hire other people to do tasks that the previous generations performed in their "leisure time". Most probably have more time available for "real leisure" that is entertainment than in the past. Our economy has gone from less than 60% services in the 1950,s to 80% today and much of that growth comes from work families use to do for themselves.

Answer 4

I was promised a Jet-Pak damnit... still haven't gotten that either.

It's interesting to note that real family income for families in the US and Canada have stayed pretty well the same for the lower half of family incomes over the last 30 years. Yet the hours of work have increased. Some of this is due to hours put in by our other halfs... which increases lots of family costs, from babysitting to fuel use.

Reduced savings and increased debt probably helps seal the deal for a lot of people. Can't afford to work less when your future value consumption is being eaten up every minute.

Peace

Answer 5

I don't know where you live but the standard work week in Ireland has been 35 hours for years

Answer 6

Until federal law changes the "full-time employee" definition, we'll all be putting in 36-40 hours/week

Employers don't have to offer benefits to employees logging less than 36 hours/week. And we all like our benefits, so we'll silently put in our 36-40 hours.

Answer 7

I think France has 20% less productivity per person than USa but they work about 20% less hours. I think its more the Working Culture it the US.

Answer 8

"I takes time to type and read those worthless emails you read at work. Production is lacking in America. Evey other country practically kills us in terms of how much they produce."

This is entirely incorrect. Take Britain for example, not only does American firms that do comparable work completely out produce their British counterparts, but British firms ran by AMERICAN managers do as well.

Answer 9

I takes time to type and read those worthless emails you read at work. Production is lacking in America. Evey other country practically kills us in terms of how much they produce.