Sixty-hour workweeks used to be the norm in the United States; now 80 hours is not uncommon. But working longer hours does not always increase productivity. One recent study showed that U.S. workers were less productive per hour worked than those from countries with shorter workweeks, including France and Germany. Experts hypothesize that overworked employees become tired, stressed, and less motivated. Lowell Bryan, a McKinsey & Company partner, claims, Weve created jobs that are literally impossible. The human cost is profound, and the opportunity cost is also great in terms of organizational effectiveness. Problems made worse by overwork are costly and can include injuries, mistakes, rework, workplace violence, stress-related diseases, absenteeism, and high turnover. The 2009 recession only made things worse as businesses cut jobs but then expected those who were still employed to pick up the slack.

Some companies are now actively seeking ways to offer a more reasonable worklife balance.Fox News, for example, split the job of one senior executive between two individuals who both work full-time and share responsibilities equally. The editorship of the Los Angeles Times was once held by one person, but now three workers do the job. Part-time work is another increasingly popular option. JetBlue allows key managers to work part-time schedules in exchange for reduced compensation. In many cases, it is not hard to implement these new working arrangements. Law associates can handle fewer cases, and auditors can work with fewer clients by putting in less time and receiving lower compensation.

It is accepted wisdom that willing workers are plentiful, no matter how demanding the schedule, but most companies note that there is often a shortage of qualified managers.Increasingly, people want time off and are willing to give up money and career advancement to get it. Both men and women now talk freely in many companies about wanting to have it all, referring to a career and a rewarding life outside of work. As these conversations become more widespread and more intense, perhaps U.S. companies will respond. Alternative, flexible work arrangements are more acceptable to workers, and they can also create a more motivated, productive, and loyal workforce.51

CASE QUESTIONS

1.Do you think working hours will get longer or shorter in the future? Why?

2.Would you be willing to trade off scheduling flexibility and balance for slightly reduced compensation? What factors would be important to you in such an arrangement?