Work and UnemploymentEqually distressing is how people experience their boss.
As Table 4.7 shows, the worst time in the day for the Texan
women was when they were with their boss. This too has
been found elsewhere for more representative samples.^20
Apparently most bosses fail to inspire their subordinates or
make them feel appreciated. This raises real questions about
modern methods of management.
Not surprisingly people prefer shorter hours to longer
hours. Figure 4.2 shows the effect on life- satisfaction of
different hours of work in our four household panel coun-
tries. It would appear that, in all these countries, shorter is
better other things equal. The difference in life- satisfaction
between those working over 50 hours a week and those
working 11– 20 hours averages nearly 0.2 points of life-
satisfaction, everything else (including household income)
held constant.
So how can work be made more enjoyable? Clearly any
business has to make money. Its sole aim cannot be to make
Table 4.7. Happiness while interacting with different people
(sample of Texan women)Interacting with Average happiness Average hours a day
Friends 3.7 2.6
Relatives 3.4 1.0
Spouse/partner 3.3 2.7
My children 3.3 2.3
Clients/customers 2.8 4.5
Coworkers 2.8 5.7
Alone 2.7 3.4
Boss 2.4 2.4