Work is our new religion, prompting some to look for career and lifestyle changes.
As increasing numbers of Americans find themselves devoting more hours to work. Those who feel disappointment in the returns may seek alternatives. In Europe, labor unions have been pushing for the adoption of a 30-hour week, in response to high jobless rates. The idea is to spread the work among more people. In the U.S., companies such as Metro Plastics Technologies in Columbus, Ind., are betting that the research is right people who work fewer hours produce just as much, and often better.