Are those Who Bring Work Home Really Working Longer Hours?

Abstract

Advancements in information technology have increased workers’ abilities to conduct their jobs in multiple locations. An ongoing debate surrounding U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) productivity data is that offi cial productivity numbers may be overstated because of an increase in unmeasured hours worked outside the traditional workplace. To shed light on this debate, this paper examines two recent data sources for information on U.S. workers who bring work home from their primary workplace – the 2003 – 2006 American Time Use Survey (ATUS) and the 1997, 2001, and 2004 May Current Population Survey Work Schedules and Work at Home Supplements (CPS Supplement). The ATUS provides detailed information on time spent on work, work-related activities, and non-work activities on one diary day, as well as locations for these activities. The CPS Supplements provide information on the number of hours worked at home each week, whether or not workers had a formal arrangement to be paid for work at home, and reasons for working at home.