Survey Reveals Americans are Working More, but on their Own Schedule

Earlier this month, a study by Good Technology revealed that "Americans are Working More, but on their Own Schedule." So, what exactly does this mean?

In a survey of US working adults sponsored by Good Technology, more than 80 percent of people continue working when they have left the office - for an average of seven extra hours each week – almost another full day of work. That's a total of close to 30 hours a month or 365 extra hours every year. They’re also using their cell phones to mix work and their personal life in ways never seen before.

The study also revealed:

• 68 percent of people check their work emails before 8 a.m.
• The average American first checks their phone around 7:09 a.m.
• 50 percent check their work email while still in bed
• The work day is growing – 40 percent still do work email after 10 p.m.
• 69 percent will not go to sleep without checking their work email
• 57 percent check work emails on family outings
• 38 percent routinely check work emails while at the dinner table

I admit that I'm guilty of that. I always have my smartphone with me, so I'm constantly checking my emails and thinking about work, even when I'm not in the office. Is that normal? Well, it's certainly common (and it's probably the root cause of stress, chronic fatigue, diseases, and much more).