| This report examines the current state of knowledge regarding working time arrangements in the industrialized countries, based on the overall theme: How well do working time arrangements currently reflect workers' needs and preferences, and how can a better balance between business' requirements and workers' needs and preferences be achieved? The study examines the current situation regarding hours of work and working time arrangements in selected industrialized countries, including EU member States, Japan, Australia, and the United States; considers the gap between existing arrangements and workers' needs and preferences; and offers suggestions for both national and enterprise-level policies to help make working time arrangements better reflect workers' needs and preferences regarding working time. This report will be published in late 2004. |