WHO'S STRESSED OUT AT WORK

"Higher skills mean longer hours"


While the actual work week "has hardly changed
since the 1970s, staying close to 42 hours for men
and 37 hours for women, ... significantly more
people are working either long or short weeks ---
often to their dissatisfaction."

"Since 1970 for example, the share of male workers
logging at least 50 hours a week on the job has
climbed from 20% to 25%, while the share of
female workers putting in similar long hours has
risen from 5% to more than 10%."

"SKILLED AND HIGHLY EDUCATED
AMERICANS ARE ESPECIALLY LIKELY
TO WORK LONG HOURS"

"Among people with professional, technical or
managerial jobs, more than 33% of men and 17%
of women now put in 50-hour-plus weeks."

"Much of the discontent is among dual-earner
couples --- particularly those with children.  Since
1970, the proportion of married couples in which
both partners work has soared from 36% to 60%."

The problem according to the researchers is that
what is efficient for individual businesses may not
be beneficial or efficient for society as a whole.

"Many employers faced with high fringe-benefit
costs (per person) would rather have full-time
workers put in more time than hire additional
workers.  Many employers also economize by
using more part-timers who get few perks."