Changing Work Habits of Americans: From Overworked to Work-Life Balance

A recent study of Census Data over 5 years, and survey of 1,150 Americans has provided insights into how working hours have changed across the country and where people feel the most overworked. The study found that overall (on average), Americans are working fewer hours than they did five years ago, with many people taking advantage of flexible work arrangements and prioritizing work-life balance.

Taking time out of work for yourself and having downtime is crucial for maintaining good mental and physical health. In today's fast-paced and highly connected world, it can be easy to become consumed by work and neglect the need for self-care. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and other negative consequences that can affect your personal and professional life.

Some of the best ways to focus on your mental wellbeing include journaling, reading or stepping away from screen time, and really focusing on making special memories by being present in the times you share with friends and family when you are not at work.

Key Findings:

• Overall Americans have reduced their working hours per week by 3.5 hours compared to five years ago.
• On average, women have increased their working hours by 8 hours, whilst men have reduced working hours by 14 compared to five years ago.
• Montanans have the most increased work hours per year over 5 years (31.2 hours).
• Wyomingites have reduced their working hours by 41.6.
• Women in Idaho have the highest work hour increase over 5 years, whilst in Montana men have the most.
• Women in Wyoming have the largest decrease in work hours over 5 years, whilst men in New York have the largest decrease.
• If employers increase vacation allowance, half think employees should be given back pay.
• If vacation allowance was increased to world average days, Americans would be owed $5,775 in back pay on missed vacation days.
• Over half would spend additional vacation days with friends and family.
• 62% think workers should be guaranteed a company retreat or trip each year.
• Two in three say employers should be forced to ensure employees take state holidays off work.
• 80% say employers should allow 1 or 2 paid days off for employees getting married without taking up vacation allowance.
• 67% of managers believe a duvet day would help worker’s productivity.

Overworked: Top 10 states with increased working hours per year compared to 5 years ago.

Work-life balance and working hours are important aspects of American work culture. Americans work longer hours per week than most other developed countries, with the average workweek being around 40 hours. However, there is a growing trend towards flexible work arrangements and remote work, with more and more companies offering their employees the ability to work from home or to set their own schedules. Despite this trend, studies have shown that many Americans still struggle to achieve a good work-life balance, with factors such as long commutes and job demands making it difficult to find time for leisure activities, hobbies, and family time. In fact, a recent study found that 52% of American workers reported feeling burned out at their jobs, with many citing long working hours and a lack of support from their employers.

Top 10 states with decreased working hours per year compared to 5 years ago.

There are several reasons why people have reduced their working hours over the past five years. One major factor is the rise of flexible work arrangements, which allow employees to work from home or choose their own hours. Many workers have also become more focused on achieving a better work-life balance, recognizing the importance of downtime and personal well-being. Additionally, labor market trends and policy changes have led to an overall reduction in working hours in some industries, as employers strive to retain talent and improve employee satisfaction.

Overworked Women: Top 5 states with increased working hours per year compared to 5 years ago.

There are several factors that have contributed to the increase in working hours for women in America. One of the most significant factors is the changing nature of the American economy, which has shifted towards service-oriented and knowledge-based industries that require a highly educated and skilled workforce. As women have made significant gains in education and workforce participation, they have also taken on more responsibility in these industries, which often demand longer working hours. Additionally, changing social norms and cultural expectations have led to an increased emphasis on career development and achievement, which has encouraged many women to work longer hours and take on more challenging roles. Finally, the ongoing struggle for gender equity in the workplace has led many women to work longer hours in order to prove their worth and advance in their careers. While there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality in the workforce, these factors have contributed to an overall increase in working hours for women in America.

Overworked Men: Top 5 states with increased working hours per year compared to 5 years ago.

Similar to women, men in America have also increased their working hours per week in recent years, albeit for different reasons. One of the primary drivers of this trend is the ongoing economic pressures and instability caused by globalization, automation, and the shift towards a more service-oriented economy. In many cases, men have responded to these pressures by working longer hours in order to keep up with the competition, maintain job security, and provide for their families. Additionally, changing social norms and cultural expectations have also played a role, with many men feeling pressure to succeed in their careers and achieve financial success. The rise of the "hustle culture" and the glorification of overwork in popular media have also contributed to an overall increase in working hours for men in America. While longer working hours may lead to short-term gains, there are also concerns about the long-term impact on physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Here are some reasons why it's important to take time out of work for yourself and have downtime:

1. Reduces stress and burnout: Taking time to relax and recharge can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. When you take time for yourself, you give your mind and body a chance to rest and recover, which can help you feel more energized and productive when you return to work.
2. Improves mental health: Downtime can also improve your mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as reading, taking photos, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones, can help boost your mood and improve your overall well-being.
3. Boosts creativity and productivity: Taking time for yourself can also boost creativity and productivity. When you give your mind a break from work, you may find that you come up with new ideas and solutions to problems that you wouldn't have thought of otherwise.
4. Helps maintain work-life balance: By taking time out of work for yourself, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can help prevent work from taking over your personal life, which can lead to resentment and other negative emotions.
5. Improves physical health: Downtime can also improve your physical health. Engaging in physical activities like exercise or yoga can help reduce stress and improve your overall health and well-being.

Mental health days for productivity.

A duvet day, more commonly known as a ‘mental health day’ is a day taken off work or school for the purpose of taking care of one's mental and emotional well-being. It's a day to recharge and focus on self-care, without the pressures and stresses of work or other responsibilities.

Taking a day off to rest and recharge can be beneficial for Americans in several ways. First and foremost, it can help reduce stress and prevent burnout, which is a growing concern in today's fast-paced work culture.

By taking a day to relax and focus on self-care, workers can come back to their jobs feeling refreshed and energized. Duvet or mental health days can also help boost creativity and productivity by giving workers time to step back and reflect on their work and goals. Furthermore, taking a duvet day can help prevent the spread of illness, as employees who are feeling run-down or under the weather may be more likely to get sick and spread germs to their colleagues. By taking time off to recover and rest, workers can help keep themselves and their colleagues healthy.

Finally, employers who encourage mental health days can benefit from increased employee morale and loyalty, as workers feel valued and supported by their employers. All of these factors can make taking a duvet day a beneficial practice for Americans looking to prioritize their health and well-being while maintaining productivity and engagement in their work.

Vacations and Back Pay.

If employers increase vacation allowance, 47% think employees should be given back pay. If increased to world average days, Americans would be owed $5,775 in back pay on missed vacation days during the past 5 years.

Some Americans may prefer to receive money from their employer rather than vacation days for several reasons. One factor is financial concerns, with some workers prioritizing earning money over taking time off. This can be especially true for workers in lower-paying jobs or those with significant financial obligations, such as student loans or high housing costs.

Additionally, some workers may feel that their workload is too heavy or that their job is too demanding to take extended time off, making cash incentives more appealing than vacation days. Some workers may also prefer cash incentives as they offer greater flexibility in how they can be used, such as paying off bills or investing in personal or professional development.

Finally, some employees may feel that their vacation time is too restrictive or difficult to schedule, which can make cash incentives more attractive. These factors, among others, may contribute to why some Americans would prefer money from their employer rather than vacation days.

Company Retreats.

Going on a company retreat or vacation together can provide numerous benefits for American workers.

First, it can help build stronger relationships among colleagues, which can lead to increased teamwork, collaboration, and innovation. Spending time together outside of the office can help break down barriers and foster a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. This, in turn, can lead to improved morale and job satisfaction.

Additionally, going on a retreat or vacation can provide opportunities for learning and development, such as through workshops, training sessions, or team-building exercises. It can also offer a chance for workers to relax and recharge, which can help prevent burnout and improve overall well-being.

Finally, employer-sponsored retreats or vacations can serve as a valuable perk, helping to attract and retain top talent by demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance. Overall, going on a company retreat or vacation together can provide a range of benefits for American workers and their employers, including increased collaboration, learning, relaxation, and job satisfaction.

Wedding Bells!

4 in 5 Americans believe that companies should allow employees a paid 1 or 2 days off when they get married, without having to take the days off with vacation days. Giving employees this time off with no financial pressure will allow them to truly unwind, relax and enjoy their time to create the most beautiful memories with their loved ones.

Employment Anniversary…

On their first work anniversary, employees said they would like to receive a bonus from their employer (76%). Followed by a vacation day (16%), team drinks after work (6%), or finally a one-off payment towards medical aid or pension (2%).

Additional Vacation Days…

Interestingly, if given additional vacation days, 55% of Americans would spend them with friends and family. 25% said pursuing hobbies, 2% on an educational course, 2% doing chores, 6% redecorating, 1% exercising and 9% doing nothing.

Being overworked can have a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Physically, people who are overworked may experience chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, back and neck pain, and a weakened immune system. Emotionally, they may feel anxious, depressed, irritable, and overwhelmed, and may struggle to concentrate or make decisions. They may also experience a loss of motivation and a decreased sense of accomplishment, which can lead to burnout. Behaviorally, overworked individuals may withdraw from social interactions, neglect self-care activities, and experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns. It's important to recognize these symptoms and take steps to address them, as prolonged overwork can lead to serious health problems and decreased quality of life.

Suggestions for Addressing Symptoms of Overwork

• Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
• Take breaks: Taking breaks and getting enough sleep can help improve your physical and emotional well-being.
• Set boundaries: Learn to say “no” to new tasks or responsibilities if you feel overwhelmed, and communicate those to your colleagues or managers.
• Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experiences and emotions.
• Re-evaluate your workload: Consider if there are tasks that can be eliminated or postponed, or if you need to ask for additionalr esources.
• Take time off: If possible, take a break from work to rest and rejuvenate. Consider using vacation days, or taking a personal day.

Remember that taking care of yourself is essential to your health and well-being. Recognize the signs and take a proactive steps to address them.

Methodology:

Survey of 1,150 respondents; February 2023.

Change in working hours per state based on 5 years of data from Census Data.

Paid vacation per year based on working for a company for less than 5 years.

Vacation days in America per year on average.

Average vacation days across the world.