Work Although European Productivity Levels

Work Although European productivity levels have risen in past decades, the continent continues to trail the United States. The trade-off is that Europeans can devote more time to leisure and quality of life activities at the expense of lower gross domestic product measures. Although productivity can be correlated with quality of life factors, quality of life cannot be measured by GDP alone. Europe also boasts stronger social programs and safety nets for workers than the United States.

In the United States, benefits such as health care are difficult to come by, workers are expected to put in overtime hours, and labor laws are generally skewed in favor of the employer. For example, an American company can more easily lay off workers than a European company can. In many European countries, labor laws ensure lengthy paid vacations, which are often nonexistent in the United States. The laws that favor employers are intended to stimulate economic growth and ensure a high rate of productivity and GDP.

In Europe, labor laws are designed for a more moderate growth of the economy. Productivity rates may be lower in Europe, but quality of life is higher. The United States may rank high on GDP, but on quality of life ranks relatively low in comparison with Europe. Quality of life indexes, measured not just by income and GDP but also by issues like health, social engagement, gender parity, and job security show consistent low marks for the United States.

A 2005 report reveals that the United States did not make the top ten but rather pulled in at a paltry number 13 (Economist Intelligence Unit). Quality of life indexes should reveal some of the reasons why the European labor model may be superior to that of the United States in spite of the lower productivity rates. Europe's productivity has increased in recent years, owing to a gradual adoption of American labor models (The Conference Board).

In fact, some studies are showing that a handful of European countries is now leading the United States in overall productivity (Cette). Therefore, a balance can be struck between productivity and quality of life. The United States would be better off shifting its labor policies and practices towards those extant in Europe. Some practices that would seem to decrease worker output may in the long run lead to increased productivity.

For example, longer vacation times, mandatory paid vacation time, restrictions on overtime, and shorter work weeks would reduce burnout and stress significantly. Similarly, labor laws should empower workers to a greater degree to offer more job satisfaction. Workers who are secure in their jobs are more likely to view their careers as long-term investments in their personal success and performance and are therefore more likely to perform better in the long run. America generally creates its economic and social policies for short-term gains rather than long-term objectives.

The results may look good on paper but in reality, Americans suffer from a range of health and quality of life problems that are not as common in Europe. Absenteeism related to workers not being able to afford adequate health care lowers productivity. The Untied States and Europe can learn from one another to find a middle ground between productivity and quality of life. Labor laws that favor employers allow them to replace workers readily and to manage their workforce, with the ultimate objective.