Future of Work
By Darlene Davis

Harder-working Americans...

Its true Americans are overworked at least compared to other workers. On average, Americans work 1,957 hours a year, more than those in other rich countries do. According to the economic Policy Institute, a think tank, the average middle-income married couple with children now works a combined, 335 hours a year, eight workweeks more than in 1979. Much of this increase has come from middle-class mothers going to work instead of staying at home.

Cell phones and beepers act like electronic leashes, keeping people perpetually tied to their job. One study by the Families and work Institute, showed that about 75% of college educated 25-32 year olds in Manhattan work more than 40 hours a week; in 1977 only 55% did. In Silicon Valley, people talk about "sleep camels" (those who store up sleep at weekends). The average mother and father spend 22 hours less every week with their children that parents did in 1969.

All Work and No Play...

American workers get far less vacation time than those in other industrized countries. Here are the figures in days, according to the world Tourism Organization: Italy, 42: France, 37: Germany 35; Brazil, 34: Britain, 28; Canada, 26; South Korea, 25; United States, 13.

Some Companies are Finding Nonfinancial Ways to Keep Employees...

Amid feverish competition for talent in the information technology industry, turnover at American Management Systems was about 16.5% last year, below the 25% to 30% industry average. Judy Tinellie, vice president, human resources, credits the company's culture. AMS has long stressed flexibility and respect for its employees' lives outside work. In a tight labor market, she says, "The groundwork we've laid on work-life balance issues, and the way we treat our employees, really come to support you." Another sign: Many former employees return; 4.5% of AMS's new hires are rehires.

A deeper look...Book suggestions:

"Making A Life, Making A Living: Reclaiming Your Purpose and Passion in Business and in Life" By Mark Albion. This book profiles 12 fast track businesspeople who gave up their careers in search of more fulfilling work and personal lives. Warner Books, NY.

"Connections Between Spirit and work in Career Development: New Approaches and Practical Perspectives. By Deborah P. Bloch and Lee J. Richmond, Editors

This book gives career professionals practical guidance for helping clients restore a sense of spirit in their work. Separate chapters explain the factors that affect job satisfaction, and concrete examples show who people have successfully balanced work, family life, relationships, and spiritual practices. Davies-Black.

"Winning At Work: Breaking Free of Personal Traps to Find success in the New Workplace" By Mel Sandler and Muriel Gray. The authors guide us on how best to manage the Loyalty Trap, the Taking It Personally Trap, the Workaholic Trap, and many more that prevent us from performing at our best. Davies-Black

Submitted by Past President and 1999 Professional of the Year, Darlene Davis:

posted in the August 2000 Newsletter