Global workers prefer leisure.

Americans, supposed models of the Puritan work ethic, consider work less important than people in many other parts of the world do. In fact, Americans are divided almost equally on the value they place on work vs. leisure, according to a study among 37,743 people in 40 countries by Roper Starch Worldwide.

When asked their views on "the relationship between work and leisure time," 39% of Americans say, "Work is the important thing--and the purpose of leisure time is to recharge people's batteries so they can do a better job." Meanwhile, 37% feel that "Leisure time is the important thing--and the purpose of work is to make it possible to have the leisure time to enjoy life and pursue one's interests." Another 20% believe both are about equal in importance, and four percent "don't know."

Meanwhile, majorities in Brazil (72%), the Philippines (67%), Venezuela (66%), Saudi Arabia (61%), and Turkey (58%) state that work is most important and the purpose of leisure is to recharge people's batteries to do better work. In contrast, large amounts of respondents in Poland (60%), Great Britain (56%), Australia (53%), Denmark (50%), and the Czech Republic (48%) believe leisure time is most important and that the purpose of work is...