Get more done in less time daily

I remember the days when we worked 9 – 5 (or maybe 8 – 4)  We’d leave work and have a life after work.  Sometimes we’d meet friends for dinner, other times we’d go home and work on personal projects.  There was relief from whatever it was we did at work.

Than it became 8 – 6.   Why?   Because those that started it were trying to prove they were more valuable than those who came in an hour later and left an hour earlier. 

Soon, especially here in California 8 – 6 was the norm and those wanting to “look good” started coming in even earlier and leaving even later.  Today, in some of our high tech companies you are expected to be available 24-7.

BUT – that’s about time.  What about productivity?  What about creativity?  What about quality and excellence?

Research (including some of my own) shows that for simple tasks productivity might increase with the increase in time – but only for a short while.  Then productivity goes down to the same level – or even less – than it was at 9 – 5 hours.

Creativity, quality and excellence all suffer because of the stress and fatigue consistently working such long hours creates.

We talk about work-life balance – but most people today merely give it lip-service.  Truly, if you had time to relax and refresh on a regular basis you’d get both more quality and quantity in your work.  You’d also have the opportunity of having time for social and community service activities.  In other words you’d have time for a range of different ways to spend your time and use your brain.

So – in order to get more done with better quality – spend less time and be more alert and focused on what you are doing.