Albertans are known for their strong work ethic. If you're willing to roll up your sleeves and work, there are plenty of great opportunities and financial rewards to be had.
But some evidence suggests that perhaps Albertans are taking this whole work ethic thing a little too far. The fifth annual Expedia.ca Vacation Deprivation Survey shows that 41 per cent of Albertans are likely to voluntarily forgo earned vacation time and work instead. Only British Columbians (at 43 per cent) were more likely to do so.
According to Statistics Canada, the average Albertan works more hours per week than do workers in any other province. The participation rate - which is the proportion of the adult population actually in the work force - is the highest in Alberta, at 74.1 per cent in April. The national average is only 67.6 per cent.
Alberta has the lowest unemployment rate, too. The 3 per cent of respondents in the labour force survey who claim to be unemployed are probably just taking their time in mulling over the three or four job offers on their answering machines.
So why do Albertans work so hard?
One likely reason is that there are good opportunities available, at least right now.
Like the old saying: Make hay while the sun shines, most Albertans know - either firsthand or through their parents - that booms come and booms go. Next month might not be so good. Thousands of people have moved to Alberta for one reason: to work. With jobs so plentiful, why would anyone choose to not work hard? It seems silly to move from across the continent to laze about.
Another reason for the long hours may be pressure from employers. While labour legislation ensures workers are entitled to time off, the reality of Alberta's labour shortages has employers in a bind. Many are begging for workers. And workers know that if they take off to the lake for three weeks, their bosses will be left hanging.
A third likely reason is cost pressure in Alberta. Inflation in the province has been averaging more than double the national rate, and has been particularly nasty for those needing to buy houses or rent apartments. While most people's wages are rising strongly in Alberta, not everyone's paycheque is keeping pace with inflation. Working extra hours and giving up vacation time is necessary for some just to keep up.
But a fourth reason why Albertans work so hard is quite simple: They like their jobs. Of course, the monetary rewards cannot be discounted - not many are working for free (although, volunteerism in Alberta is extremely high, too). But many Albertans simply find their careers to be personally rewarding. With all of the great job options available, why wouldn't they?
Judging by how difficult it is to get a spot on a patio on Calgary's Stephen Avenue in the middle of the afternoon, it appears that there's not too much to dislike about certain jobs. Apparently no one actually works at a desk any more. Entertaining clients and co-workers with pitchers of beer and golf tournaments are all banked as "work time" - it's fostering relationships!
But there is such a thing as working too hard. For some Albertans, the culture of hard work crosses the line between virtue and vice. All work and no play doesn't just make us dull, it makes us sick.
Albertans and all other Canadians need to watch for signs of overworking. Stress is a serious economic and social problem that can lead to illness, lost productivity, and family breakdown. Employers need to be especially vigilant. A worker lost to stress is worse than no employee at all.
Answering a few simple questions can help determine if you work too hard: Have you been to the mountains or lake this summer for more than two hours? Have you golfed - even one time - with non-work related friends? Have you sat outside with a lemonade but no BlackBerry? Have you read a book or fished or hiked?
Give yourself a break this summer. Work hard, but don't make yourself sick. Well-deserved time off should not be optional - it's there for a reason. The economy needs well-rested, healthy, and productive workers.
And Alberta, perhaps, needs them most of all.