I'd really like to see the American 40 hour week mantra make a shift more toward "work until you get your work done". This doesn't necessarily mean bust your balls and then leave at 3 every day. It means you could work till 3 every day one week, but the next week be forced to work until 6 or 7 every night.
I know a few companies who operate like this. The workers seem happier and much more productive.
They are more accountable for their work. If Monday morning rolls around and they've not completed a task from last week, there are some VERY serious questions asked by mgmt. It is also a good way to guage your employees workload and re-distribute, add to, or take away, when appropriate.
Obviously, this is a pipe dream, and wouldn't even work in many many industries, but I hate the time clock for salaried employees.