From: arjay@cnplss5.cnps.philips.nl (R.J. Kimmel)
Subject: Re: Why do Americans get so little vacation time?
Organization: Philips Centre For Technology, Eindhoven
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1992 10:25:44 GMT

cshaver@informix.com (Craig Shaver) writes:

>In article <BvFBAK.FB1@world.std.com> ttraub@world.std.com (Terry Traub) writes:
>>[lots of stuff deleted]
>>
>>I think companies should provide family leave, but benefits like this
>>should be voluntary, not forced either through legislation or
>>collective bargaining.  In the long run, far-sighted company
>>management would see that such efforts would benefit the company as
>>well as the employees (obviously true, but management is not noted for
>>its vision).  Forcing companies to comply would simply cause them to
>>supply the very minimum possible benefit and still be within the law.
>>
>>And, young married women might find it a bit harder to find a job.
>>
>>T.T.

>And single women too.  Well said, well said.  

Women in general do, and will continue to have a hard time in the
Business marketplace as long as attitudes continue along these lines.

>There are too many people
>looking for a free lunch in this country and we have it relatively easy 
>compared to others.  We need to look to Asia in addition to Europe for
>hints on policy; the Asians will eat our lunch if we are not looking.
>(I think they already got breakfast)

Stop right there!
Have you been in the European business environment?  Have you worked in 
the Asian environment?  Where did you get your information?

Americans do NOT have it ede easy unless you eliminate all the 
first world nations and compare
the US to what remains!  (I have first hand experience)

Americans work more hours per year, and have fewer benefits in general
than any other first world nation (excepting Japan where they have a
much higher rate of heart attack, stroke, and stress related illnesses
causing the corporations to change the practice).

In most European first world countries, employers offer more vacation
days (I get 25 days here in The Netherlands), and a Maternity/Family
Leave for the birh or adoption of a child, lasting 4-7months depending
on the country, and this leave is offered to both men and women,
regardless of their marital status (i.e. a male friend of mine took
time off when his girlfriend gave birth). I've heard that this leave
may be as long as 9 months in some Scandinavian countries, but I
haven't worked there yet.  

The Europeans have discovered that it's far healthier for their
employees to take longer vacations, or shorter more frequent
vacations, allowing them to be more productive when they are
at work.

Another comment you might consider: "The Japanese work on the average
over 48 hours per week but are no more effecient than Europeans
working generally 38 to 40
hours per week" (in a speeach by Dr. Frank Carruba - VP, Philips.

Americans like to think they are living in the best the world has to 
offer, that they live in a land of freedom, and what they have cannot
be improved upon... I used to think that as well, until I started
working internationally.  Well, it's about time Americans woke up
to reality, or took the blinders off and had a good look around.

R.J. Kimmel
(Yes, I'm female if it matters)

Currently in The Netherlands

>-- 
>Craig Shaver  (cshaver@informix.com for now) (415)390-0654 (415)926-6407
>Productivity Group POB 60458 Sunnyvale, CA  94088
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