It wouldn't surprise me if this was more widespread given my experience working with the US government, and everyone else I know that has worked with them has similar stories. When I did a contract for the FAA My coworker said to me sarcastically: "They take two hour lunches then take off Friday and still somehow manage to get 40 hours in. I only wish I knew how they did it so I could do the same"
Edit: Thanks for the downvotes. I'm sure your experience working with government is different.. Oh wait, you've never worked for them because if you had you'd know I'm right. I've lived in DC almost my whole life and I've got connections in almost every institution. If you think they're sharp as shit and work really hard you're in for a gigantic surprise.
Many people here seem to be taking these type of expectations that people work for their contracted amount of time almost personally. Not appreciating that if the person is 'sharp as shit' then their hourly rate if they are a contractor, or their salary reflects that and they are still expected to be doing work during all hours, because these are jobs where the work is never done, its a never ending heap which only grows.
It is a shame some people in jobs where they are compensated for their talent expect that they don't need to do achieve at the level of their talent for the amount of time they are being paid for.
Edit: Thanks for the downvotes. I'm sure your experience working with government is different.. Oh wait, you've never worked for them because if you had you'd know I'm right. I've lived in DC almost my whole life and I've got connections in almost every institution. If you think they're sharp as shit and work really hard you're in for a gigantic surprise.