Allison Schrager: Americans work more than everyone else, but less than we think
April 17, 2026
A persistent belief exists that Americans are uniquely overworked, yet a closer look at the data reveals a more complex and evolving reality. While it remains true that Americans, on average, work more hours than their counterparts in many other wealthy nations, there is also evidence that U.S. working hours have been declining and that the perception of being constantly on the clock may not align perfectly with reality. This seeming contradiction is at the heart of a nuanced discussion about work culture, economic data, and individual well-being.
Compared to many European countries with legally mandated paid vacation and shorter standard workweeks, the United States stands out for its higher annual work hours. This difference is rooted in a combination of cultural norms that often equate busyness with status and a policy landscape that, unlike most other developed nations, does not federally mandate paid leave, paid sick days, or paid parental leave. The result is a workforce that puts in more time on an annual basis than in countries like Germany or France. The structure of salaried employment in the U.S. can also contribute, as it may incentivize longer hours without additional compensation.
However, the narrative that Americans are simply working more and more is not fully supported by recent trends. Data shows that average work hours in the U.S. have been gradually decreasing. Recent Gallup polling indicates a drop in the average full-time workweek from 44.1 hours in 2019 to 42.9 hours in 2024. This decline is even more pronounced among workers under 35, who have reduced their weekly hours more significantly than older colleagues. Factors contributing to this trend may include increased efficiency through technology like artificial intelligence, but also a reported decline in employee engagement and a greater emphasis on work-life balance, particularly among younger generations.
The discrepancy between how much Americans feel they work and the hours they actually log is a critical piece of the puzzle. When asked to estimate their work hours, people often provide figures that are higher than what is recorded in detailed time-diary studies, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics' American Time Use Survey (ATUS). The ATUS, which asks participants to recount their activities over a 24-hour period, provides a more granular and often more accurate picture than general surveys. This suggests that the feeling of being overworked may be inflated by the "always-on" nature of modern work, where smartphones and remote access blur the lines between professional and personal time, even if the total number of hours spent on concrete tasks is lower than perceived.
The implications of this evolving work landscape are significant for both the economy and society. While a reduction in hours could signal a positive shift towards better work-life balance and a potential antidote to burnout, it also intersects with concerns about long-term productivity and economic growth. Meanwhile, the gap between work hours in the U.S. and other developed nations is closing, not only because Americans are working slightly less, but also because some Europeans have started working more. This convergence prompts a re-evaluation of long-held assumptions about national work ethics and could influence future policy debates on everything from flexible work arrangements to federal leave mandates.
Source: postgazette