LENGTH OF WORK-WEEK IN THE USA IN THE FUTURE

There is a growing concern in the labor sector to reduce stresses in t he work place and the associated strains and adverse effects on health which result from newer forms of tasks that workers are increasingly called upon to perform. one approach to reducing stresses is to reduce the work-week (fewer hours per week). Social expectation of longer va cations and leisure time, demographic changes, and changes in the natu re of the work and attitudes towards work also support this trend. The objective of this position paper is to consider the implication of su ch a move and the feasibility of this approach. Specifically, we consi der the effects of a shorter work-week on productivity and economy and discuss the various patterns of shorter work-week. Finally, we presen t our position on the pattern of the shorter work-week in the United S tates in the future.