Much of the Western developed world works shorter total hours per year than in the US. According to these 2013 trend charts, other countries are working hard to try to reduce their work weeks and may overtake the US as well. This CNN website shows that Netherlands average work week is 29 hours compared to the US 38 hours. Why do US workers need to spend so many more hours working? Why, in the wealthiest nation, do we get shorter vacations, fewer holidays and longer hours?
The productivity of American workers continues to rise. So many jobs are now being done using technology so fewer workers can accomplish much more. Internet has eliminated printing jobs, music stores, video stores, sorting check payments, book stores, travel agencies, and traditional secretaries. As self-driving cars start to be used, fewer people will be needed to drive taxis, trucks and busses which will eliminate many more jobs. The functions of retail stores and fast food will be easily handled by robots. I believe a lot of the roles of educators may be taken over by computers and software that will help each individual learn at their own pace. Even lots of farming and construction tasks may be handled by robotic systems.
What jobs will be left for humans to do? Hopefully there will be many jobs where the human need for creative problem solving will be available. However, it is clear that there will be less need for workers.
Working is important for human psyche. We all need to feel that we are contributing to society, and receiving some sort of salary for our service makes us feel that our contributions are recognized. But do we need to contribute so much of our labor is the question.
Here is a hypothetical thought question: If everyone worked half the number of hour we are currently working, then, to accomplish the same amount of production, it would require twice the number of employees. So if we shortened our work week, more people may need to be hired.
So, if the US would chart a gradual shortening of the work week over the next 10 or 20 years, we could maintain employment while productivity increases due to technology. We would be able to improve the overall welfare of the US by improving our quality of life, and keep up with the other Western nations. To do this, the US should simply pass a law that gradually shifts the definition of a full-time employee so that the number of hours per week gradually are reduced. For example:
The productivity of American workers continues to rise. So many jobs are now being done using technology so fewer workers can accomplish much more. Internet has eliminated printing jobs, music stores, video stores, sorting check payments, book stores, travel agencies, and traditional secretaries. As self-driving cars start to be used, fewer people will be needed to drive taxis, trucks and busses which will eliminate many more jobs. The functions of retail stores and fast food will be easily handled by robots. I believe a lot of the roles of educators may be taken over by computers and software that will help each individual learn at their own pace. Even lots of farming and construction tasks may be handled by robotic systems.
What jobs will be left for humans to do? Hopefully there will be many jobs where the human need for creative problem solving will be available. However, it is clear that there will be less need for workers.
Working is important for human psyche. We all need to feel that we are contributing to society, and receiving some sort of salary for our service makes us feel that our contributions are recognized. But do we need to contribute so much of our labor is the question.
Here is a hypothetical thought question: If everyone worked half the number of hour we are currently working, then, to accomplish the same amount of production, it would require twice the number of employees. So if we shortened our work week, more people may need to be hired.
So, if the US would chart a gradual shortening of the work week over the next 10 or 20 years, we could maintain employment while productivity increases due to technology. We would be able to improve the overall welfare of the US by improving our quality of life, and keep up with the other Western nations. To do this, the US should simply pass a law that gradually shifts the definition of a full-time employee so that the number of hours per week gradually are reduced. For example:
- In 2018 Workweek 38 hours
- In 2020 Workweek 36 hours
- In 2022 Workweek 34 hours
- In 2024 Workweek 32 hours
- In 2026 Workweek 30 hours
Companies should be given flexibility to work within a monthly "average workweek" to allow employees to work additional hours one week and fewer the next week. Employees can work additional hours, but will be paid as overtime for those hours.
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