Men Returning to Office as Remote Work Drops 5%

The 2024 American Time Use Survey (ATUS) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a comprehensive look into how Americans allocate their time across various activities, including work, household chores, leisure, and childcare. The survey, which included around 7,700 participants, highlights several key trends and disparities in time management.

One notable trend is the shift in remote work patterns. While remote work remains popular, the survey indicates that more men are returning to the office. The percentage of men working remotely decreased from 34% to 29%, while the rate for women remained unchanged. This shift suggests a gradual return to pre-pandemic work environments, although remote work is still significantly higher than it was in 2019.

Sleep is a crucial aspect of daily life, and the survey reveals that the average American sleeps approximately 9.04 hours per day. This figure underscores the importance of adequate rest in maintaining overall health and productivity. Additionally, the survey found that 33% of employed individuals worked from home on days they worked, a figure similar to 2023 and significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Work patterns also show distinct gender differences. Men worked an average of 33 minutes more per day than women, a gap that persists even among full-time workers. Full-time male workers averaged 8.2 hours per day, compared to 7.9 hours for women. Education plays a role in work location, with workers holding at least a bachelor’s degree being more likely to work from home (50%) than those with only a high school diploma (18%).

Household activities are another area where gender disparities are evident. The survey found that 87% of women and 74% of men spent time on household activities daily. Women averaged 2.7 hours per day on such tasks, while men averaged 2.3 hours. Nearly half of women (48%) engaged in housework compared to 22% of men, highlighting the unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities.

Leisure and sports activities are integral to daily routines, with 94% of individuals aged 15 and above participating in these activities daily. Men spent more time on leisure and sports (5.5 hours) than women (4.7 hours). Watching TV was the most common leisure activity, with an average of 2.6 hours per day, although TV watching has declined over the past decade.

Childcare responsibilities also vary significantly. Adults in households with children under 6 spent an average of 2.5 hours daily on primary childcare. Women provided more physical care (1.2 hours) than men (34 minutes). Non-employed adults spent more time on childcare (3.2 hours) than employed adults (2 hours), indicating that employment status influences the amount of time dedicated to childcare.

These findings reflect ongoing shifts in American life, including the persistence of remote work, gender differences in work and household responsibilities, and the continued importance of leisure—especially TV—in daily routines. The survey highlights the need for a more equitable distribution of domestic responsibilities and the importance of leisure activities in maintaining overall well-being. However, economic pressures such as inflation can limit leisure time and increase the time spent on essential tasks, leading to a sense of merely surviving rather than thriving.