How often do you meet these days who proudly tell you how busy they are, how little time they have, and how much they work? I know the majority of the people I speak to these days wear their work and time constraints as a badge of honour. I too am guilty of this.
In the past being excessively busy or working long hours was frowned upon, not celebrated. It typically meant a person was of lower socioeconomic status. Those with financial means or privilege had the luxury of working less, and prioritising leisure time and personal fulfillment over relentless work. Overworking was never something to brag about. Having a lack of time was viewed negatively, and taking holidays was considered a given for those who were successful.
However, in recent years being busy, always on, or constantly working has become a trend, with people often reveling the chance to tell you how little time they have and how overwhelming their schedule is.
To perform at our peak, to be proactive, efficient, and creative in all we do, especially our professional lives, we need rest. These days technology invades every aspect of our lives and there is a constant expectation to be available, setting boundaries becomes crucial for getting the rest we need to function optimally. If we compromise on these boundaries or make exceptions, we'll inevitably be expected to continue doing so.
The perception that all successful or notable people in history worked constantly is misguided. Jeff Bezos, for instance, emphasises the importance of slow mornings in his routine, relishing the time to read the newspaper, have coffee, and share breakfast with his children before they depart for school. Similarly, Teddy Roosevelt devoted two hours each afternoon to exercise during his presidency, Abraham Lincoln frequented the theater even during the Civil War and Franklin Delano Roosevelt took a ten-day fishing trip during some of the most critical days of World War II.
Despite this burnout is becoming more and more prevalent in the workplace. Many companies expect employees to work outside their contracted working hours and people find themselves enslaved to their phones.
We need to de-glamourise the hustle culture and reintroduce an emphasis on a balanced approach that incorporates focused work alongside time for rest and rejuvenation.
Key Insights from Bill George renowned business leader and author:
Optimal Work Hours:
Bill George emphasises that there is a threshold for optimal work hours. Beyond a certain point, additional hours do not translate to increased productivity. Instead, they can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased efficiency.
Impact on Mental and Physical Health:
Extended work hours negatively impact employees' mental and physical health. Chronic stress and fatigue can lead to serious health issues, affecting overall well-being and performance at work.
Balancing Work and Rest:
George stresses the importance of balancing work with adequate rest. Employees need time to recharge to perform at their best. Encouraging regular breaks and reasonable work hours can enhance productivity and job satisfaction.
Real-World Applications:
Bill George shared examples from successful companies that have implemented policies to prevent overworking. These organisations prioritise employee well-being, resulting in higher engagement, creativity, and sustainable productivity.
Practical tips to help restore balance:
Block out regular rest periods in your weekly and monthly schedules.
Prioritise activities like exercise and self-care when planning your week, rather than allowing work to expand and dictate your schedule.
Shift your mindset regarding rest and self-care, recognising them as vital components of optimal performance at work and in other areas of life.
Plan holidays well in advance to ensure they're firmly scheduled.
Take a few moments each evening to reflect on how you've allocated your time throughout the day.
Establish clear boundaries around your availability for work and clients, and adhere to them (albeit challenging).
Don't be a busy fool. Life is too short to spend it rushing around.
Pause, rest, refuel, and proceed with renewed energy.
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