Study: Americans Work Longer Hours Than Those in Most Countries

Americans work longer hours than their counterparts in the majority of other countries, according to a new study released by NationalToday.com on Monday to honor Labor Day.

This includes 260 more hours on average per year than those in the United Kingdom, 137 more than Japanese and an astounding 500 additional hours annually than workers in France.

Productivity among American workers is also high and has increased over the decades, including some 400 percent greater than it was in 1950.

"We're hard workers. We deserve the day off," NationalToday.com spokeswoman Liz Bagot told the New York Post. "It's the reason we can say 'Thank God It's Friday.' Labor Day is a time to celebrate the benefits we enjoy at our jobs — including weekends off."

The survey of 2,000 Americans also revealed the following about Labor Day, which is unofficially considered the last day of summer:

• Two-thirds will either host or go to a barbecue on Labor Day.
• The majority of Americans in every region of the country will be at an outdoor barbecue, although the highest percentage of those saying they will do so is in the East.
• The favorite choices for a barbecue are hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and steak.
• Two-thirds of Americans say they will drink heartily on Labor Day.

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