Americans: A Nation of Slackers?

 

So, what are Americans like you and me up to these days? The Bureau of Labor Statistics just released their annual American Time Use Survey and they have some answers. According to Cheryl Russell of New Strategist Publications, who published the survey, “People think Americans spend most of their time working. Actually, we devote five hours a day to leisure activities – that’s more than anything besides personal care, such as sleep.” 

Surprisingly, we spend half that coveted time, 2.5 hours a day, watching TV - more if you consider the time we spend watching while doing other things, according to Neilson Media Research. Prime time for most Americans is 9:00 pm, although with a choice of 116 channels, we’re certainly watching different shows.

 Here’s another surprise: while more married mothers are working, they’re devoting more focused time on the kids – about 13 hours a week. One reason: fathers are contributing more to housework (although women still get saddled with six times the laundry). These fathers are better Dads than in the past, too, devoting seven hours a week to their children.

 
If you think we’re a nation of slackers: don’t worry. Work ranks as number three on the list. Just try calling an employee around 11:00 am. That’s when most of us are at our desks.