The American 40 Hour Week Actually Lasts 47 Hours

According to a Gallup poll, most Americans are working far beyond their contractual obligations. In fact, the work week in the United States is nearly an entire working day longer than standard. A working week lasting 40 hours has become standard practice in the United States (on paper at least) but adults employed full time are now reporting an average of 47 work hours every week.

Why? Pay structure is a factor - hourly workers face limits by cost-cutting employers while those on a salary tend to work a higher number of hours every week. Some Americans have a second job and this is also contributing to those long hours every week.