Because so many Americans are unemployed, those who have jobs are easily replaced. Employers take advantage of this this situation by overworking people instead of hiring more.
Too many Americans work well over 8 hours a day. This is especially true amongst salaried employees who do not get any overtime wages. 8 should be the maximum.
Americans also get far too little vacation compared to the rest of the world. There should be a minimum of at least 20 days paid vacation for every full time employee.
This overwork is unhealthy, it keeps people away from their families, it decreases tourism, and it allows companies to hire fewer people. I'm willing to bet a lot of Americans will do great things during their vacation, like volunteering or even starting their own businesses.