American Work Hours and Technology

Did you think that technology like cell phones makes us more efficient? Some studies suggest that it doesn't....


Statistics Show Americans Work Longer Hours For Less Pay
U.S. Department of Labor data shows Americans are working longer hours, but making less money. By Tanya Hutchins Published: August 12, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Do you feel like you're working harder for less money? That may be the case, according to new statistics. The U.S. Department of Labor said productivity has surged while labor costs have fallen. Even outside of the recession, the days of working until 5 p.m. are over. The Internet and advances in technology like smartphones have Americans working around the clock. The Labor Department said the American workforce produced 6.4 percent more during the second quarter than it did last year. But the money paid for that work fell by nearly 6 percent. Productivity was higher than expected and reduced labor costs doubled expectations.

"There is more to do than there was before, so the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that my father might have had is no longer in force. It's more like 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.," said Doris Mowery, an area resident. Throw technology into the equation and work hours become even longer.
"This is really a blessing and a curse. No matter where an individual is, he or she is able to work, to communicate, to create," said Janice Worthington, of Worthington Career Services.
Working virtually means working around the clock. Worthington said she thinks inflation is to blame for less pay, along with people making sacrifices. "There are a lot of people who tend to be willing to work for less because they think a job is harder to find," Worthington said. But, Worthington said an employee's value doesn't decrease just because the scarcity of jobs increases.