Working ridiculously long hours doesn’t work

Sep 1, 2016

Interesting article in Washington Post about how working insanely long hours is ridiculous, and how unfortunate it is that it is expected these days in many work environments.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/on-leadership/wp/2016/09/01/stop-touting-the-crazy-hours-you-work-it-helps-no-one-2/?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories-2_ol-hours-241pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory

It’s a pet peeve of mine, how it’s become a badge of honor.

Better: realize that you will never get it all done—these days that is not possible. So instead, identify your most important work (MYN and 1MTD help with that). Then, starting at the top of the priority list, work efficiently and with focus, and get as much done as you can. Then, at a reasonable hour just stop, leave the rest undone for the day, and go home. The rest of work will still be there tomorrow.

From the article: “Studies have shown that after about 50 hours a week, productivity actually decreases, and it plummets after 55 hours, leaving no detectable difference between those who work 56 hours and those who work 70 hours.”

Sounds about right to me.

Michael

 

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2 Responses to Working ridiculously long hours doesn’t work

  1. thank you for this interesting article in Washington Post about how working insanely long hours is ridiculous, and how unfortunate it is that it is expected these days in many work environments.i really likes this article

  2. George says:

    Do keep in mind that this also depends on your profession. I’ve seen artists who were able to keep on being productive after reaching more than 70 hours per week.

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