196 Posts
There is a large body of research that demonstrates that 55 hours is the maximum a human being can work in a week, and we are probably better off working a lot less. And yet many of us work for organizations where it is not unusual to put in 60+ hour weeks.
Work-life balance is a strategic advantage but many of our organizations do not take advantage of this.
What process and systems can we influence to change that in our organizations? Or even for ourselves?
Work-life balance is a strategic advantage but many of our organizations do not take advantage of this.
What process and systems can we influence to change that in our organizations? Or even for ourselves?
1 Replies
6 Posts
The pervasive culture of overwork being to the advantage of the employer is something that will be very difficult to change. In my personal experience, this culture is often set by top management expectations that seem beyond reason. The attempt is made to keep so many things on a person's list that they feel a sense of urgency to get everything done and therefore, get the most efficient use of their human resources. This in turn creates a sense of expectation for more, more, more. We need to find a better way.
Something that my company instituted was some basic rules for length of time a team member can be allowed to work (12 hours max and top management's approval to be allowed to work this many hours) and requiring there to be minimum of 8 hours between shifts. I feel there is more to be built on from what are obvious first steps, but the fact that they were instituted was the beginning of recognition of the concern. Hopefully, the beginning of a change for us.
Something that my company instituted was some basic rules for length of time a team member can be allowed to work (12 hours max and top management's approval to be allowed to work this many hours) and requiring there to be minimum of 8 hours between shifts. I feel there is more to be built on from what are obvious first steps, but the fact that they were instituted was the beginning of recognition of the concern. Hopefully, the beginning of a change for us.
