Why Are Americans Work Too Hard

“Hard work does not necessarily guarantee success, but no success is possible without hard work” -Tim Notke. The real questions are: Do Americans work too hard? Does working more actually reduce productivity? Is a 40 hour workweek too much? Should there be changes in employment laws to give Americans more relaxation time? These are the questions that are imposed on our American workforce. With families needing both parents working, they are spending less time at home thus fulfilling the 40 hour work week obligation and they reduce their relaxing at home time. When productivity is down business lose money and employees can sometimes lose their position with the company. This sometimes happens when the employees are overworked. When most Americans become workaholics it is because of the following reasons. A person who works compulsively, is defined as a workaholic. This term implies that the person enjoys their work, it can also imply that they simply feel compelled to do it. The average workweek has increased by 9%. This would qualify as two or three hours of overtime every week. Working the long hours of each week is not allowing employees enough time to spend with their family. The 40-hour work week can affect the personal lives of workers. The standard workweek is eight to five, Monday through Friday. The average worker usually puts in 40

This forces American employees to work much harder than needed. They should be able to work less hours for working less makes them more productive. By going to a shorter workweek employees could possibly save production problems for management. An employee that is well rested proves to be a productive worker. A productive business is one that takes the well being of their employees first. Well rested employees have proven to take less time off of work. Investigating the American workforce it has shown that less work hours is a plus for