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Workaholism In America Is Hurting the Economy

Posted by Soulskill on from the being-productive-vs.-looking-productive dept.

An anonymous reader writes Work/life balance is a constant problem in the tech industry. Even though experienced and mature engineers have been vocal in fighting it, every new generation buys into the American cultural identity of excessive work being a virtue. Each generation suffers for it, and the economy does, too. This article backs up that wisdom with hard numbers: "The 40-hour workweek is mostly a thing of the past. Ninety-four percent of professional workers put in 50 or more hours, and nearly half work 65 or above. All workers have managed to cut down on our time on the job by 112 hours over the last 40 years, but we're far behind other countries: The French cut down by 491 hours, the Dutch by 425, and Canadians by 215 in the same time period. ... This overwork shows up in our sleep. Out of five developed peers, four other countries sleep more than us. That has again worsened over the years. In 1942, more than 80 percent of Americans slept seven hours a night or more. Today, 40 percent sleep six hours or less. A lack of sleep makes us poorer workers: People who sleep less than seven hours a night have a much harder time concentrating and getting work done."

5 of 710 comments (clear)

  1. I can stop any time!!! by BenSchuarmer · · Score: 5, Funny

    I just need to finish this one thing...

    1. Re:I can stop any time!!! by Wonko+the+Sane · · Score: 5, Funny

      And what's up with this "In 1942, more than 80 percent of Americans slept seven hours a night or more. Today, 40 percent sleep six hours or less" part?

      I had to do some mental math to convert those equilvent comparisons 20% got less than 7 hours in 1942, and today 40% get less than 6.

      Why would they make me do mental math when they know I probably didn't get enough sleep last night?

  2. Do more with less! by Prien715 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Dear team,

    After coming back from my vacation in Aruba, I've decided that in these times of trouble we need to do more with less. We're in a troubled economy -- do you realize how much yacht gas has gone up in the past year? In addition, the Affordable Care Act has made it cost ineffective for our FTNE (Full Time Non-Employee) initiative to continue.

    Moving forward, we'll need to tighten our belts and take on other responsibilities. Some of you will work longer hours than usual. My performance bonus is based on how much money we can save, so I'm simply going to let go anyone who refuses to comply with this iniative -- I'm sure I can find someone to replace you.

    Cheers!
    PHB

    --
    -- Political fascism requires a Fuhrer.
  3. Re:work life balance is a myth by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Baaahhhhh says the sheep

  4. Re:work life balance is a myth by WillKemp · · Score: 3, Funny

    But i'm addicted to workahol!