The European Work WeekMonday, November 13, 2006According to the Federation of European Employers, most Europeans that are full-time work between 35 hours and 40 hours a week. In Spain and Sweden there are statutory limits of 40 hours. White collar workers put in less hours than blue collar workers, although the FedEE says that the gap is narrowing. It doesn't say which way. Are white collar workers putting in more time or blue collar putting in less time? For those of us in the states, the 48 hours a week maximum limit established by the EC Working Time Directive is something that is very foreign. Although I would not want our government to regulate work weeks, it would be a refreshing change to see better work/life balance in this country. The FedEE reports that as they "make further adjustments to account for short-term absence and the effects of the informal economy, a more realistic average of 43.7 hours emerges." 43.7 hours? How many exempt employees (full-time/salaried) work only 43.7 hours a week in the United States? All that being said, the FedEE goes on to conclude that "the adjusted figures for each country reveal that many employees work well in excess of 40 hours a week, even in countries such as France where hours are strictly regulated and the 35-hour basic week remains the standard." So, I wonder if there is really much difference in Europe versus the U.S after all. Work responsibly. posted at 11/13/2006 08:00:00 PM |
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Copyright © 2006 Beat Your Own Drum
4 Comments:
Sounds like a lot of analysis to find out that it hasn't changed anything.
I wonder how many hours per week, these "experts" were working to come up with this drivel.
Good word, uinseann. It is drivel. Goes back to my theory that we are working harder and not smarter.
Dave, that is what happens when government tries to regulate things they can't.
>> So, I wonder if there is really much difference in Europe versus the U.S after all.
Well, something must be different. A recently released report on Science Daily
maps the happiest countries. ~8 of the top 20 are in Europe. USA hit #23.
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