Today’s Chart of the Day is from the Financial Times and shows the number of annual hours worked, per worker, for select economies since 1974.
The US has stayed relatively stable; however, France's (red) and Germany's (blue) worked hours have decreased approximately 25%, which works out to a loss of more than a full day of work per week.
In the end, work/life balance aside, the US enjoys a more robust economy than others - not only because of our expanded freedom and productivity, but also because of our good work ethic.