The Influence Of Work Hours On Company Performance

Long hours do NOT equal good work. The notion that long hours equate to good work is a fallacy, and here's why: 1. Decreased Productivity: A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that productivity significantly declines after working more than 50 hours per week. 2. Lack of Creativity: Research published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes suggests that individuals who work excessively long hours experience mental exhaustion, which impairs their ability to generate creative ideas. 3. Health Issues: A study published in The Lancet found that individuals who work 55 hours or more per week have a 33% higher risk of stroke compared to those who work 35-40 hours. 4. Poor Work-Life Balance: A European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions study revealed that long working hours negatively impact personal relationships, leisure activities, and overall well-being. 5. Reduced Decision-Making Skills: A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that judges who worked long hours were more likely to make biased decisions and exhibit less self-control. 6. Increased Errors and Accidents: A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reported that employees working long hours have a higher risk of occupational injuries and accidents. 7. Decline in Cognitive Function: A Finnish Institute of Occupational Health study found that individuals who regularly work long hours demonstrated a decline in cognitive performance over time. 8. Lack of Work-Life Integration: Research published in the Journal of Management found that long work hours were associated with lower levels of engagement in non-work activities, such as hobbies and socializing. 9. Decreased Job Satisfaction: A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that employees who worked long hours reported lower levels of job satisfaction and higher intentions to leave their current job. 10. Inefficiency and Unproductive Work: A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that employees who worked long hours experienced higher work inefficiency and reduced job performance. Let's keep in mind that it is not the quantity of hours worked that determines success, but rather the quality of work and the well-being of individuals. It is time to shift our focus from long hours to smart and effective work practices that foster productivity, creativity, and a healthy work-life balance. What are your thoughts? #leadership #modernleadership #peopleandculture #agileleadership

Having spent decades in the Talent industry where the expectation has been 55+ hours weekly, often celebrating it as a badge of honor, the idea of a 32-hour workweek as a tangible reality should have us all embracing the innovation driving us there. 🚀 One recent study of British companies adopting a 32-hour workweek highlighted employees arriving less stressed and more focused, with revenues stable or increased. A trial involving 61 companies and 2,900 workers resulted in 71% reporting reduced burnout, and nearly half were more job-satisfied. Remarkably, 24 companies saw revenue growth exceeding 34%. The advancements in robotics, automation, and AI, while often met with fear, present undeniable opportunities. Despite concerns about market instability, history shows us that embracing innovation typically leads to growth and resilience. The move towards shorter workweeks is not just about hours; it's a broader shift towards efficiency and well-being, promising another positive lesson in the power of innovation. #WorkLifeBalance #FutureOfWork #TalentAcquisition #HRInnovation #RecruitingTrends

Working longer hours does not equate to higher productivity. The world's most economically competitive nations actually work fewer hours: 🇩🇰 Denmark: 32.2 hours 🇳🇱 Netherlands: 33.2 hours 🇩🇪 Germany: 34.3 hours In contrast, 🇬🇷 Greece recently introduced a law allowing 48-hour or 6-day workweeks in certain sectors. Despite working the longest hours in Europe (41.4 hours), Greece has the lowest productivity. 😬 The same pattern applies to organizations: The longer you work ↳ the more your productive rate of return diminishes. Long hours lead to ↳ burnout, high turnover and disengagement. Critics of the shorter work week often miss that where it has been implemented successfully, it has: → Improved work quality → Improved life quality ↓ ↓ ↓ The foundation of successful economies isn't 'hard work' measured by long hours it’s Smart work - achieving more with less.