http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11139960
It's not like the countries of Europe make less money per capita or are less productive than us in the US. Indeed, they are quite on par.
But they are able to pay more livable wages and work their employees 20 less days a year. IMO, there's an argument that this means they are more efficient and productive than us in the US.
Anyway, the article I linked is about how they get guaranteed vacation, and we are just worked to the bone year round.