Ron Friedman : Many people like the idea of work-life balance , but it 's a myth in America . Friedman : The 8-hour shift , made for the days of factories , is an artificial construct . It was invented by employers to make workers work longer hours and more dangerous jobs than they would otherwise have had to do. Friedman : Flexible work times improve job satisfaction and lower stress .
Ron Friedman : Many people like the idea of work-life balance , but it 's a myth in America . Friedman : The 8-hour shift , made for the days of factories , is an artificial construct . He says companies should provide employees with more control over schedules . Friedman : Flexible work times improve job satisfaction and lower stress .