Many Americans feel stressed and overworked, according to a recent Harris Interactive study, sponsored by Kronos Inc. Among those surveyed, 62 percent report having experienced an increase in job responsibilities in the last six months.

"While the economy has been sliding downward, worker productivity has inched upward," said Joanne B. Ciulla, author of The Working Life: The Promise and Betrayal of Modern Work. "The work ethic is alive and well but, after years of economic uncertainty, it is often a work ethic based on fear or necessity. Americans need a day to relax and enjoy the other things that life has to offer."

In the last six months, 32 percent of U.S. adults who are employed full-time have increased their workweek hours, according to the survey. Of those, 67 percent are working an additional five or more hours each week. Among those who said that their workweeks have increased, the survey identified lack of efficient staffing, less people to do the same amount of work, and pressure to do more as the top three drivers for the increase. When asked if they expect any relief from the increased hours within the next six months, the majority answered no.