"Rise in Quiet Quitting Pushes Workweek to Pre-Pandemic Levels"

Despite a booming job market, the highest-earning, young, and female workers are putting in fewer hours than before the pandemic, leading to the average workweek dropping to pre-pandemic levels. This trend, observed by ADP, suggests a shift in work patterns, with some workers experiencing higher incomes while working less. Economists speculate that companies may be retaining workers but reducing their hours due to softening demand, a change in talent management, and a growing emphasis on work-life balance. This reflects a broader historical trend of workers seeking higher pay and less work, and raises questions about the potential for Americans to work fewer hours compared to other developed nations.