Americans' use and perception of time will influence the future of the hospitality
industry. During the last few decades, it appears that hours of work have declined,
measured either as hours of work for those in the labor force or as a percentage of
all the hours of an individual's life. Public perception, however, is that hours of work
are increasing. There is overwhelming evidence that Americans feel more rushed
than in the past and that the pace of life is speeding up. Important changes in the
nature of both work and leisure are examined, and implications for the hospitality
industry drawn.
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