Technology turned Seattle’s 40-hour work week into a myth

A 40-hour work week is a thing of the past for many people, and the best way to get it back could be to take a pay cut.

A study shows that 45 percent of Seattle employees are working more than they did about three years ago, the Puget Sound Business Journal reported. More than 50 percent say that’s because technology makes it easier to continue the work day.

The study found that 54 percent of people in Seattle work while taking a personal or sick day. Forty-four percent plan to work on their vacation, according to the Business Journal.

Despite the expectation of working more hours than they used to, the study found that people enjoy the flexibility, KIRO Radio’s Tom Tangney pointed out.

Tom Tangney:The good side is you can do work remotely. Maybe there’s a chance I can leave early. So people may be working more, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

KIRO Radio’s John Curley believes there will be an evolution in the workplace within 15 years. People in their 20s will move to positions of authority and allow their employees to work remotely more often.

John Curley: If you can do the work from home, do it from home. The ridiculousness of a lot of people having to come to one central location … get in your car and drive for an hour. Whereas you could get your work done from home. Skype and save the environment.

If a company can prove its employees are just as productive and happy outside of an office, why not allow more telecommuting? Too bad those people will have to work 45-plus hours, Tom said.

There is at least one company trying to keep its employees from working more than 40 hours a week, however. The Wall Street Journal reported that the parking lot at United Shore Financial Services LLC is practically empty by about 6:05 p.m. The company doesn’t have an expectation of employees working after they leave the office, Tom pointed out.

TT: They don’t expect you to send off emails … the time is yours.

JC: That works as long as someone isn’t violating the policy. I get emails asking me if I can talk on Sunday. No!

A business might “take a hit” for having employee production stop at 40 hours, which is why it would offer lower salaries, Tom explained. But the thought of not having to work more than 40 hours is very attractive.

TT: This idea seems radical, but it is what was done more often before computers.

JC: A truly rich person is someone with so few needs that need to be met. If your needs are not that great and can be met with shelter, food, clothing and love, that’s great.