Terry,
its interesting to look at the different work hours (and also vacation and stat holidays) around the world. I think France has just legislated a reduction in the official work week to 35 hours and the amount of vacation time and stat holidays that the average german worker gets would surprise most americans.

I personally don't think that people are productive workers if they are working frequently extended hours - they seem to me to be just going through the motions like alcoholics thinking that just one more drink will make them appear more attractive...