Think about how productive we are nowadays as a society. And now think about how often you screw off at work. I know I could get all of my work in a 32 hour work week and I'm sure most of you could as well if you thought about it and tried. Could this help reduce the stress levels of Americans? Obesity epidemic? Could it be a boost for the economy?
Nope-- less hours = less money --- Less money to pump into the economy. Less money = more stress --- most folks bills are based on 40 hour paychecks. More time sitting on a couch = more weight gain for most folks. So what your saying Hooker is that you are only productive 80% of the time? Just kidding Just think how productive we would be if everyone truely work a 40 hour week and how the economy would boom...
I just think Americans need an overhaul as far as lifestyle. Europeans work on average 7 less weeks per year than us. Yet they are just as efficient and productive. It seems that it is a competition to see who works the hardest in America. I think we should be promoting efficiency, not longer hours. My old boss used to say "work smarter, not harder". I agree with that 100%.
For as unporductive as I seem, I get a lot done doing the week. As far as the stress, my bosses (where most of my stress comes from) would be a LOT more stressed out, and considering one of them seems to have a problem with the stress levels already, anymore wouldn't help. And as an hourly guy, it would hurt, big time, unless everything after 32 hours was overtime
My old boss who is now retired told me that nobody ever should need more than 2 weeks of vacation. If you need more than two weeks of vacation you might as well not have a job because you would be gone so much.
Some people actually work those hours. People who run machines, tool makers, mechanics, some docs, nurses, service people.... those folks would get less done. I am a per diem worker so I only get paid for work that is done. No hourly or salary pay. (but I also work far less than 32 hours per week) On the other hand, we could probably round up and shoot a quarter of the managers and folks who sit at desks and it would have no impact (or perhaps even a positive impact) on work done. heh heh heh
Although I agree with you, I don't think it is in our DNA as far as a society. Everyone always wants to tell others how "busy" they are. Busy is good. If you work more hours you must be important. You want your boss to think you have a lot to do. Also, we are the country of NOW. When you order goods or services people want it yesterday. So the workplace puts extra demands on the employee to produce when the time comes.
As for my opinion on the stress part of things. I feel our society has become a society that is living way above our means. Far to many households are living on a 80/hr a week budget on a 40/hr a week check. This in itself causes mass amounts stress when bills can't be paid and in turn using more credit to try and dig out of the hole. Our priorities, in general, are all screwed up!!
I agree with this. In a household with 2 parents working 40 hour weeks, you spend more time at work, than with your children. I also feel that it is one of the big reasons that kids are growing up more disrespectful.
Are you kidding me? How about everyone works 32 hours MORE...then we would start solving problems. More would get done, people would have less of a chance of being lazy...all benefits. Work less...sheesh...thats the problem we have now. BUMS.
Get your kids a job. Mow lawns. Rake leaves. Babysit. Paint a church. Bail hay. If they are old enough to cause trouble, they are old enough to be occupied.
No. There are actually studies about this. People get the same amount of work in a 32 hour work week as a 40. They just become more efficient. And I don't know about everyone else, but I'm much, much lazier at work than at home. I'm in a desk chair 98% of the time at work. I get home a 4 pm, and I don't sit down to relax till about 10 every night. People always complain about not having the time to exercise. People complain about not having enough time with the family. I do not see why the average 40 hour, salaried employee would be against this.
I will, when my kids are older. As of now, they are 6 years old, and 10 months old. I just don't feel right having someone else raise my kid. By the time I work an 8 hour day, with the 30 minute commute each way to and from work, I see my 10 month old for 4ish hours a day. Now, granted, that is my choice to have children, but he does raise a good point that people are more efficient in 32 hours over 40. In my office, they did a study of hourly production rates. When people got into overtime, production and quality was MUCH worse than in the early part of the day.
I dont believe the majority of people are "salaried 40 hour a week" employees. This may only work for people with jobs similar to yours. Tell the same to a landscaper, construction worker, union factory worker, nurse, medical assistant...you know...normal Americans who work hourly wages...
Most of the people I know are salary, 40 hr/wk people... But I understand that this would not apply to everyone.
